On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 2 p.m., Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Executive Director Tim Schaeffer and staff will be joined by State Representative Bud Cook and local officials at Smitty’s Marina to celebrate National Safe Boating Week.  In addition, officials will announce a new opportunity for local boaters to earn their Boating Safety Education Certificate this summer.

Just ahead of the busy Memorial Day weekend, which is considered the unofficial start to the summer boating season in Pennsylvania, officials will promote safe boating practices, including:

• Always wear a life jacket
• Never boat under the influence
• Have a float plan to let someone know where you’ll be boating
• Check the weather forecast before and during your trip
• Have proper registrations or launch permits

Following brief remarks, staff from Smitty’s Marina and a PFBC Waterways Conservation Officer (WCO) will present a walk-though tour of a boat and required safety equipment.

The PFBC reminds boaters that WCOs and other law enforcement officials will be on patrol throughout the holiday weekend to conduct safety checks and look for safety violations and signs of impairment.  Just like operating a motor vehicle on the road, in Pennsylvania, a person operating a boat is over the legal limit if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration of point-zero-eight (0.08%) or higher.

WHAT: PFBC, Rep. Cook, and local officials to recognize National Safe Boating Week
WHEN: Tuesday, May 20 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Smitty’s Marina, 119 River Avenue, Belle Vernon, PA 15012

GPS COORDINATES (approx.):  40.12531526965714, -79.87692340341272

PARKING: Parking is available
DETAILS FOR GUESTS AND PRESS: This is an outdoor event with indoor alternative in case of inclement weather.

MEDIA CONTACT: Mike Parker, PFBC Communications Director; (717)585-3076 or michparker@pa.gov