Extension - Ecosystem Stewardship
Marina and Boater Pollution Prevention

Erie Safe Boating Task Force

The Erie Safe Boating Task Force is a voluntary alliance of federal, state and local organizations and volunteers with interest in boating safety on the waters of Pennsylvania . The Task Force's primary purpose is to provide the boating public information on boating safety and coordinate cooperation between agencies. The intent of the Task Force is to enhance, but not duplicate or compete with, the prevention education and risk reduction efforts of partner agencies.

For more information about the Erie Safe Boating Task Force contact:

• Sherri Towell (HamotShock Trauma) at (814)877-6035 - sherri.towell@hamot.org
• Keith Edwards (Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission) at (814) 336-2426 - kedwards@state.pa.us.

Boating Course dates:

• Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for details

Erie Safe Boating Task Force members are dedicated to promoting safe boating practices in Pennsylvania waters. Projects focus on life jacket use, alcohol awareness, and safe boating operations. To date, the Erie Safe Boating Task Force as been involved with several projects, including:

• Purchase display cases containing message boards for use at public marinas. The cases contain information related to safe boating practices, invasive species spread prevention measures, and avian botulism. Currently, these cases are located at four Erie-area marinas: Wolverine Park, Lampe Marina, Presque Isle Marina, and Northeast Marina. The purpose of this effort is to provide boaters with the latest safe boating and environmental protection information.
  
  
• Worked with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to create the The Erie Harbor Boating Hazards Map. The map provides boaters with a small, easy to access map of Presque Isle Bay and surrounding Lake Erie waters, which highlights hazard areas, fuel docks, and boat launches. Safe Boating information is provided on the reverse side of the map. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is currently working to reprint the map in a brochure format.
  
  
• Installed a series of large format aluminum signs to serve as a checklist of equipment and responsibilities for boaters to review before entering Lake Erie. Items to check include: gasoline, weather, life jackets, radio or cell phone, flares, anchors, and line, as well as a don't drink and boat sign.
  
  
• Created a program to reward boaters for wearing their life jackets. Funds from the B.O.A.T US Foundation and Safe Kids Coalition were used to purchase chapstick for attaching to life jackets, with the message "I got caught wearing my life jacket" and "Erie Safe Boating Task Force." These items are being distributed to boaters, found wearing life jackets, by the U.S. Coast Guard and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
  
  
• Purchased eight signs stating, "BUI, You Can't Afford It". These signs have been placed, or will be placed at: North East Marina, Walnut Creek Marina, Presque Isle Marinas, Lampe Boat Launch, East Avenue Boat Launch, Chestnut Street Boat Launch, Elk Creek Boat Launch, and Niagara Boat Launch.
  
  
• Implemented a Designated Lifesaver program at water-front establishments (in the Erie area) which serve alcohol. Cups, detailed with a Boat Sober message, were purchased and designated sober boat operators will be given a cup to drink non-alcoholic beverages for the duration of their visit at the participating establishment. Posters were also designed to advertise the program.

Online Resources

Boat U.S. Foundation The Boat U.S. Foundation is a national 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safe and environmentally sensitive boating. The Foundation's goal is to be the leader in boating safety and environmental education and outreach, with the purpose of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of our waterways, and keeping boating a safe, accessible, and enjoyable pastime.

Boat Safe The Boat Safe Web site provides information related to boating courses, boating tips, boating safety, and boating contests.

Erie-Western PA Port Authority It is the mission of the Port Authority to promote industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities for the citizens of Pennsylvania on Presque Isle Bay and adjacent waters.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) The mission of NOAA is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment and conserve and manage coastal and marine resources to meet our Nation's economic, social, and environmental needs.

NOAA's (National Weather Service) Nearshore Marine Forecast for Lake Erie The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States , its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. NWS data and products form a national information database and infrastructure which can be used by other governmental agencies, the private sector, the public, and the global community.

NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nautical charts) The Office of Coast Survey (OCS) manages the NOAA nautical charting and nautical data collection and information programs

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission The mission of the PFBC is to provide fishing and boating opportunities through the protection and management of aquatic resources.

U.S. Coast Guard The United States Coast Guard, one of the nation's five branches of Armed Services, is the nation's primary maritime operating agency; dedicated to protecting life and property at sea, enforcing federal laws and treaties, preserving marine natural resources, and promoting national security interests.

U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety The U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety goal is to minimize the loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and environmental impact associated with the use of recreational boats, through preventive means, in order to maximize safe use and enjoyment of U.S. Waterways by the public.