Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means its official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Activities/Crafts

    Coldwater Safety
    Crossword puzzle on important coldwater safety topics.

    Ice Awls
    Describes how to make and use ice awls for self-rescue when a person has fallen through the ice.

    Know Your Waterway
    Fill in the blanks with your answers to this waterways quiz.

    PLAY Newsletters

    You can find additional activities and crafts on the last page of every PLAY (Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth) newsletter!​

    “Fishing is Reel Fun” booklet
    This 18-page activity booklet is full of fishing and boating information to help anglers and boaters of all ability levels enjoy safe, fun, and year-round outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania. Enjoy!

    "My Adventures" write-your-own story booklet
    With this 12-page activity booklet you can write-your-own adventure about a trip on or near a PA waterway (e.g. stream, river, pond, lake). You can also share something you learn, share how you would teach someone else about what you learned, and share a memory that you will keep with you as you grow. Begin your story today!

    PLAY: Back to Basics – Boats
    PLAY issue containing the following articles –
    Back to basics: Boats; The Best Way to Stay Afloat; Boats Come in all Shapes and Sizes; Before you hit the water; Now you know the parts of a canoe and paddle (word search).​

    PLAY: Water Safety
    PLAY issue containing the following articles –
    Dangers around the water; Prepare to Fall In; Hook safety & removal; Homemade Water Rescue; A Stringer of Safety Tips.

    Videos

    Playlists 

    The following two links are playlists that will take you through all of PFBC’s videos related to boating, paddling and water safety OR you can go through them individually by clicking links below. 

    How to Change a Grease Tube Cartridge 
    View on YouTube -- View on Facebook
    Peace of mind on the road and water requires preventive maintenance for your boat and trailer.  In this clip, Ryan Walt will show how to properly load a grease cartridge into a grease gun, so you are ready to lubricate trailer bearings and boat motor grease fittings.

    How to Change a Propeller
    View on YouTube -- View on Facebook
    In this clip, Ryan Walt will show the steps to remove a damaged boat propeller and install a new one.

    How to Connect Safety Chains
    View on YouTube -- View on Facebook
    If the boat trailer disconnects from the hitch, properly connected safety chains keep the trailer connected to the tow vehicle until it can be brought to a stop.  Ryan Walt will show how to inspect all components of trailer safety chains for wear and damage and then how to properly connect to the tow vehicle.

    How to Use a Water Rescue Throw Bag 
    View on YouTube -- View on Facebook
    Chris Calhoun, lead water rescue instructor trainer for the PFBC, along with his daughter Jessica, provide an overview and tips on the use of a water rescue throw bag. He reviews the different style types, features/anatomy, throwing techniques, setup location considerations, how to receive the bag as a victim and the risks and hazards that must be considered when using this tool.

    Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement (I)
    View on YouTube -- View on Facebook
    LIFE JACKET WEAR REQUIRED BY LAW: NOV. 1 TO APRIL 30
    Boaters must wear a life jacket on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak.​​

    ​The Rescue Sequence: An Approach to Water Rescue Tactics
    View on YouTube -- View on Facebook
    The Rescue Sequence is an approach to water rescue tactics from simple to complex. The levels include self, shore, boat, direct contact and helicopter. The rescue sequence provides options to rescuers. Remember, keep it simple, train with all tactics, and have backup in place prior to engaging.​