Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 49, December 7, 2024
(a)Applicability. This section applies to activities at State parks other than State parks covered by § 11.220 (relating to whitewater boating).(b) The use of inner tubes, body boards, surfboards, air mattresses and other similar nonwatercraft devices is permitted in creeks, streams and rivers. Children 12 years of age and under shall wear United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices while engaged in this activity.(c) Except as provided in subsection (d), the use of body boards and surfboards is permitted in bodies of water designated for boating. Persons shall wear United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices while engaged in this activity.(d) At Presque Isle State Park, the use of body boards and surfboards is permitted only at locations where posting states that this activity is permitted. Personal flotation devices are not required.(e) The following activities are prohibited without written permission of the Department: (1) Operating watercraft on a body of water not designated for boating. The use of nonmotorized watercraft is permitted on creeks, streams and rivers unless posted otherwise.(2) Operating, using or anchoring watercraft within 100 feet of either a designated swimming area or an area marked by buoys.(3) Operating, towing or using any of the following:(i) Watercraft propelled by air propellers.(ii) Seaplanes. Seaplanes may be taxied at a slow minimum-height-swell speed in the waters of Presque Isle State Park for the purpose of access to and egress from the park.(iii) Water skis. The use of water skis is permitted in lakes where motorboats with unlimited horsepower are permitted and in lakes where posting states that water skiing is permitted.(iv) Parasails, kite skis and other devices towed behind a boat and intended to lift off the surface of the water.(v) Unseaworthy watercraft.(vi) Inflatable devices except as provided in subsection (b) and except devices which are at least 7 feet long and have more than one separate buoyancy chamber.(vii) Equipment or devices not constructed or sold primarily for transportation on water, except as provided in subsections (b)-(d).(f)Motorboats. This subsection does not apply to boats used for purposes of State park administration, law enforcement, search and rescue, safety patrol or concessionaire excursions. The following activities are prohibited without written permission of the Department: (1) Operating a boat powered by one or more internal combustion engines totaling more than the posted maximum horsepower.(2) Operating a boat powered by an internal combustion engine in waters that are posted as being restricted to electric motor use.(3) Operating personal watercraft unless the body of water is posted as being open to motorboats without a limit on horsepower.(g)Endangerment. Operating or using watercraft or a nonwatercraft device in a manner that endangers a person or property is prohibited.(h)Mooring, anchoring and storing. The following activities are prohibited: (1) Mooring watercraft at any location without possession of a valid watercraft mooring permit issued by the Department for that location. This prohibition does not apply as provided in subparagraph (ii).(i) A decal issued by the Department evidencing issuance of the permit shall be affixed aft of amidship on the starboard (right) side of the watercraft.(ii) At Point State Park, watercraft may be moored along the river wall during the hours the park is open to the public. Watercraft may be moored along the river wall overnight only with permission of the Department.(2) Leaving watercraft in an area designated by the Department for storage without possession of a valid storage permit issued by the Department.(3) Leaving unoccupied watercraft anywhere in a State park between sunset and 8 a.m., except in accordance with paragraph (1) or (2).(i)Launching. The following activities are prohibited: (1) Launching or removing motorized watercraft at a location that is not designated by the Department as a launching site, without written permission of the Department.(2) Launching or removing nonmotorized watercraft at a location where posting prohibits this activity.(3) Except as provided in paragraph (4), launching watercraft without one of the following: (i) A valid watercraft launching or mooring permit issued by the Department. If a decal evidencing the issuance of a permit has been provided by the Department, the decal shall be affixed to the watercraft aft of amidship on the starboard (right) side. If another form of evidence of the issuance of a permit has been provided by the Department in lieu of a decal, this evidence shall be carried on the watercraft.(ii) A valid registration number and validation decal, or a valid use permit, issued and displayed in accordance with 58 Pa. Code Part II (relating to Fish and Boat Commission).(4) Paragraph (3) does not apply as follows:(i)Presque Isle State Park. To an operator of watercraft at Presque Isle State Park, unless registration or a use permit is required under 58 Pa. Code Part II. If registration or a use permit is required under 58 Pa. Code Part II, launching watercraft without complying with the regulations is prohibited.(ii)Pymatuning State Park. To an operator of watercraft at Pymatuning State Park if a valid launching permit has been issued for the watercraft by the State of Ohio. This section cited in 17 Pa. Code § 11.208 (relating to schedule; closure); and 17 Pa. Code § 11.223 (relating to violation of rules regarding conduct in State parks).