Loyalhanna-Conemaugh Water Safety Day

Published May 11, 2015
Safe Boating Week at Conemaugh-Loyalhanna River lakes.

Safe Boating Week at Conemaugh-Loyalhanna River lakes.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is teaming up with the National Safe Boating Council and other boating safety advocates across the U.S. to promote safe and responsible boating during National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22, 2015. National Safe Boating Week is the official launch of the 2015 Safe Boating Campaign. This yearlong campaign promotes safe and responsible boating and the value of life jacket wear by recreational boaters.

Loyalhanna and Conemaugh Lakes are celebrating the national campaign by hosting a free Water Safety Day at the Loyalhanna Lake Bush Recreation Area on May 17, 2015. Several activities are planned for the day.

The US Army Corps of Engineers is partnering with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in providing an opportunity to complete the Basic Boating Course from 9 am to 5 pm at the Lakeview Pavilion. People who successfully complete this free boating course are issued a Boating Safety Education Certificate that is good for a lifetime. Certificates are required to operate a personal watercraft or for persons born after January 1, 1982 to operate boats powered by motors that are greater than 25 horse power. You only need to bring a bagged lunch. If interested in taking this class, pre-registration is required and can be done by phone by calling April Richards, Park Ranger at the Loyalhanna Lake Office, 724-639-9013.  

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be offering courtesy vessel safety compliance inspections near the boat launch area from 10 am to 3 pm. Vessels that pass inspection receive a decal that informs others that your boat meets all Federal and State boating safety standards. If your boat does not pass, you are not issued a citation. Instead, you are provided a report to help correct any discrepancies.

The Corps of Engineers will have a water safety exhibit for the whole family with free handouts and personal floatation devices to try on. You may be interested in the new inflatable style life jackets. A live demonstration will take place at 1 pm. Annual boat launch passes can also be purchased at the booth for $30. You will also get a chance to meet Bobber the Water Safety Dog.

Two Dam Kayak Rentals is offering a free chance for adults to try kayaking. Kayaking is easy to learn and great for beginners. No experience is necessary. Visitors will receive safety instruction and have the opportunity to take the kayak out on the water.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the nation’s largest provider of water-based outdoor recreation, managing more than 420 lake and river projects in 43 states and hosting more than 370 million visits per year. With 90 percent of these recreation areas within 50 miles of metropolitan areas, the Corps of Engineers provide a diverse range of outdoor activities close to home and to people of all ages. For more information on Corps of Engineers recreation sites and activities, visit www.CorpsLakes.us. <http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/visitors.cfm>


Contact
April Richards
724-639-9013

Release no. NR15-128