HARRISBURG — Just as a safety harness is a lifesaver for hunters in elevated stands, so too are life jackets for those participating in all forms of water sports.

Unfortunately, wearing a safety harness is still not a law, but fortunately the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission makes wearing a personal flotation device mandatory now through April 30.

Recently, the PFBC had a presentation to remind boaters they are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Even on warm, sunny days, from late fall through early spring, water temperatures can remain frigid on rivers, lakes, and streams across the Commonwealth.

Sudden cold-water immersion, or cold-water shock, occurs when a person is unexpectedly plunged into cold water resulting in an involuntary gasp where water is often inhaled. This uncontrollable reaction causes panic, hyperventilation, inhalation of water, and inhibits the ability of a person to swim.

By wearing a life jacket, victims can dramatically increase their chances of keeping their heads above water until they can get out of danger or be rescued. Wearing a PFD is also advised for ice fishermen and waterfowl hunters who will be near water,

According to Pennsylvania boating accident reports, nearly 80% of all boating fatalities occurred because boaters were not wearing life jackets.  Since the mandatory life jacket wear law was enacted in 2012, the PFBC has seen a significant reduction in the percentage of boating incidents resulting in fatalities during the cold weather months.

“From November first through April 30 of the following calendar year, in the state of Pennsylvania, it is required by law for boaters on vessels less than 16 feet in length, including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, to be wearing it during those times of the year, Waterways Conservation Officer Kamron Bettinger said. “It’s not a suggestion. It’s the law.

“So, transitioning from fall to winter, we have these, kind of, obscure temperature days in central Pennsylvania as well as across the Commonwealth. We want to make sure that we are physically and actively aware that the water temperatures can vastly differentiate during this time of the year, being a lot colder than the air temperatures that are out when we’re on the water.

“Somebody that was to be exposed to that cold water, whether they go overboard or anything like that, the initial thing is cold water shock. So, you take that innate gasp of air, which results in a lot of our drownings across Pennsylvania every single year.  So that’s why it’s important to wear our safety life jackets when we’re out on a boat.”

While out on the water, make sure that you have every life jacket for everybody on board that is for the intended user. Make sure to check that USCG, or U.S. Coast Guard approved label on the inside from the manufacturer.

That way, when out on a boat, everybody has one that is intended for them. Conditions may be nice and calm, but within the turn of a minute or two, if you’re not staying cognizant with the weather, the wind and variability in the currents can also change the water, too

“We have data showing that, over time, wearing your life jacket in the cold weather months is going to save your life,” PFBC Boating Safety Education Specialist Adam Spangler said. “The fatalities from before the regulation went into effect until now, it showed almost a 50% increase in lives being saved from wearing that life jacket in the cold winter months.”

“In the summertime, the air temperature and water temperature is warmer, and its mandatory to have that life jacket with you if you’re an adult, but in the cold weather months, it’s mandatory to make sure that you’re wearing that life jacket.  If you fall into that cold water, it’s going to save your life.

“When you go to pack your life jacket, you want to make sure it’s in good usable condition. You want to make sure there are no tears or worn fabric on that life jacket, and you also want to make sure its intended for the use that you’re doing.”

If you’re fishing, make sure you have a life jacket that fits the criteria for that activity. A ‘float coat’ is a great opportunity in the winter time, and wearing a jacket that keeps you warm, and then also meets that requirement of wearing your life jacket.

When picking a life jacket that you’re going to use, think of the comfort. Make sure it fits you properly, and in the cold winter months, that life jacket is going to insulate you a little bit better.

And if you’re still using an inflatable life jacket, make sure to check the labels. They’re not recommended in cold or freezing temperatures.

(Dietz is a member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association. Contact the writer: outdoors@republicanherald.com.)