Water Safety in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a life jacket law that many boaters don't know about. From November 1 through April 30, you must wear a life jacket on any boat under 16 feet, and on any canoe, kayak or paddleboard, whether you're moving or at anchor. The reason is cold water. On rivers, add a second rule: stay far away from dams.

Pennsylvania drowning and boating numbers

2,000+ dams

• Drowning: CDC puts Pennsylvania's average annual drowning death rate for 2018-2021 at 0.81 per 100,000 people (opens in a new tab), in the lowest band on its map. The U.S. rate was 1.31.
• Boating: The U.S. Coast Guard counted 59 reportable recreational boating incidents in Pennsylvania in 2024, with 10 deaths and 36 injuries (opens in a new tab). Deaths by year: 11 in 2020, 9 in 2021, 9 in 2022, 8 in 2023 and 10 in 2024.
• Shoreline: NOAA lists 140 miles of official shoreline (opens in a new tab) for Pennsylvania.

CDC counts drowning deaths of residents; the Coast Guard counts boating incidents. See our Pennsylvania data page.

The cold weather life jacket law

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) says: cold water kills boaters. From November 1 to April 30, boaters must wear a life jacket on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe, kayak or paddleboard (opens in a new tab). The law applies while underway or at anchor.

Why: the PFBC notes that a disproportionate number of boating fatalities occur during the months of November through April in Pennsylvania (opens in a new tab), and cold water is one of the primary reasons. In water below 70°F, cold shock causes an involuntary gasp, fast breathing and trouble swimming.

The PFBC's cold water survival tips:

• Wear a life jacket even when not required. Many models insulate against cold air.
• Never boat alone, leave a float plan, and carry a charged phone.
• Wear clothing that insulates when wet, such as fleece or other synthetics.
• If you are about to fall in, cover your mouth and nose with your hands to avoid inhaling water.
• Stay with the boat. Get back in or climb on top of it. Don't take off your clothes.
• If you can't get out, use the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P.).

See cold water paddling.

Dams

The PFBC warns that there are more than 2,000 dams on rivers and streams throughout Pennsylvania (opens in a new tab) that can be extremely dangerous. A dam that seems safe one minute can become a dangerous low-head dam the next if a storm raises the flow. All dams are potential "drowning machines."

• Above a dam, currents can pull boats over. If you lose power or drift toward a dam, drop anchor right away.
• Below a dam, strong recirculating currents (hydraulics) can trap boats and people. Stay well back.
• Some dams are unmarked. Look downriver for a horizontal line across the water. Know where every dam is before you launch, and portage when in doubt.
• Never enter the water to try and help someone (opens in a new tab). Call 911 and throw a life jacket, rope or throw bag.

Read low-head dams and river safety. On the Delaware River at Delaware Water Gap, the Park Service also warns of strong currents and strainers that trap boats and people.

Ice

The PFBC's ice fishing advice starts with never assume that ice is safe (opens in a new tab). Check thickness with test holes as you move from shore, wear a life jacket on the ice, and carry ice picks and a rope. Avoid ice fishing on rivers: flowing water can sweep you away from the hole. Underwater springs, inflowing streams, current, wind and snow can all thin the ice. See ice thickness safety.

Pennsylvania boating rules

A Boating Safety Education Certificate is required to operate a personal watercraft, and for anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 to operate a boat with a motor over 25 horsepower. The PFBC's approved courses are offered in person and online, and the certificate is good for a lifetime (opens in a new tab). Federal law requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket on a moving boat (opens in a new tab). This is a summary, not legal advice.

What you can do today

• Mark November 1 on your calendar: life jackets on for every small-boat, canoe, kayak and paddleboard trip until April 30.
• Look up every dam on your stretch of river before you launch.
• Pack fleece or synthetic layers and a charged phone for cold-season trips.
• Buy a pair of ice picks before ice fishing season.
• Learn the rescue rule: reach or throw, don't go.