PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As the spring warmth draws more people outside, and COVID-19 restrictions are easing, many will seek out the serenity of lakes and rivers.
But your trip in that new kayak you bought requires some planning, and a few safety precautions.
At the height of the pandemic last summer, people were finding a pleasant escape in a kayak.
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Outfitters were busy at state parks, and rivers in the region and sporting goods stores had a hard time keeping kayaks in stock.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Communications Director Mike Parker said that besides getting the right size of kayak, the most critical piece of gear you need is a life jacket.
He said there’s no disputing that life jackets really do save lives.
Parker said the statistics are sobering.
“Last year in 2020, we had 11 boating fatalities,” he reported. “None of them were wearing life jackets.”
Parker said that so far this year, three fatalities were recorded. One death involved a kayaker who wasn’t wearing one and drowned in a pond that was eight feet deep.
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He said whether you’re in a kayak, a canoe or a power boat, safety must come first.
“The water is a great place, but you’ve got to respect the power of the water,” Parker said.
“A life jacket’s going to keep you floating, give you the ability to call for help and give someone else time to help you.”
He said it’s inevitable you’ll get wet if you’re on the water. If your kayak capsizes, regardless of your swimming ability, you need protection.
“Having a life jacket on is going to give you just an edge against the elements,” Parker explained.
“It’s going to keep your head above water, so if you hit the cold water, that life jacket is going to save your life.”
He advised if you’re still relatively new to kayaking, start easy on a calm pond or a lake at a state park before tackling the challenge of faster moving water in a creek or river.