As the weather in Pennsylvania finally warms up, many residents are excited to take their boats out on the beautiful waterways our state has to offer. It is important to be aware of the boating regulations that Pennsylvania has outlined for 2018. A few of the general regulations set forth regarding boats include the following:
- No persons under the age of 12 are permitted to operate a Personal Watercraft or a boat that has a horsepower of more than 25
- Any person who was born on or after January 1, 1982, can only operate a boat with greater than 25 horsepower if they have obtained a Boating Safety Education Certificate
It is also important to be aware of the various laws related to life jackets in Pennsylvania. Some of which include the following:
- All boaters are required to wear life jackets on boats that are shorter than 16 feet, canoes, or kayaks between November 1 and April 30. This is to reduce the cold water shock if the individual were to fall into the water.
- Children 12 years or younger on any boat that is less than 20 feet in length as well as in all kayaks and canoes.
- Any individual towed behind a boat, including water skiers and windsurfers.
Finally, be sure not to operate a boat under the influence of alcohol. Pennsylvania penalizes those who violate this law with loss of boating privileges, fines, and even the possibility of imprisonment.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident due to the negligence of another party, contact our firm today to discuss your legal options.
Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
