As of this week, boaters in Pennsylvania are required to wear personal flotation devices.

“From November 1 through April 30, boaters 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,” according to a release from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. “The requirement applies to all Pennsylvania waters.”

“The fall and winter seasons are filled with outdoor opportunities that can be enjoyed on the water, including fishing, waterfowl hunting, and scenic foliage tours,” PFBC Boating and Watercraft Safety Manager Ryan Walt said. “Whatever activity you are involved in, boaters should be aware that water temperatures begin to drop rapidly at this time of year, and even on sunny days when air temperatures are comfortable and warm, the water is already cold enough to cause cold water shock, hypothermia, and put your life at risk. A life jacket can keep your head above water until help arrives.”

“Depending on environmental conditions, water conditions, and a person’s skill level, the time someone gets in trouble could be as short as instantaneous when they fall into the water,” City of Warren Fire Chief Dave Krogler said.

The Allegheny River and Reservoir water temperatures were about 55 degrees on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Kinzua Dam.

That is cold enough to result in cold-water shock, which can result in almost immediate drowning. “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,” according to the PFBC. “This uncontrollable reaction causes panic, hyperventilation, inhalation of water, and inhibits the ability of a person to swim.”

The river temperature is also cold enough to lead to hypothermia. The colder the water temperature, the faster the core temperature of someone in it drops.

A personal flotation device (PFD) helps with both conditions.

“Properly worn PFDs provide buoyancy which will keep a person from sinking underwater and will help keep their airway above water helping to prevent aspirating water caused by the gasp reflex from cold water shock,” Krogler said. “PFDs also provide insulation to the body’s core helping to slow hypothermia. Slowing the effects of hypothermia gives the victim more time to help themselves and increases their chances of rescue.”

Even when the air temperature is warm, cold water is a danger.

“According to Pennsylvania boating accident reports, nearly 80 percent of all boating fatalities occurred because boaters were not wearing life jackets,” according to PFBC. “Prior to this life jacket wear requirement being enacted in 2012, a disproportionate number of deaths happened between November and April. Since then, the commission has seen a significant drop in the percentage of boating incidents that result in fatalities during the cold weather months.”

PFDs are not required, but are recommended for those going ice fishing.

“The PFBC recommends that anglers participating in ice fishing this winter always wear a life jacket to provide lifesaving protection in the event of a fall through the ice,” according to the release.