Navigating Tionesta Lake involves adhering to specific safety and licensing regulations primarily concerning life jacket usage and fishing licenses. These rules are crucial for ensuring the safety of all visitors and maintaining legal compliance on the water.
Essential Regulations for Tionesta Lake
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at Tionesta Lake, visitors should be aware of the following key rules, particularly regarding personal flotation devices and fishing requirements.
Boating and Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Requirements
Safety on Tionesta Lake is paramount, and specific rules dictate when and by whom life jackets (PFDs) must be worn. These regulations are designed to minimize risks for various water activities.
Life Jacket Usage:
- Small Watercraft: All individuals aboard boats 16 feet or less in length are required to wear a life jacket.
- Paddlecraft: Occupants of all canoes and kayaks must wear a life jacket.
- Operators and Passengers: Any operator or passenger of any watercraft must wear a life jacket.
- Towed Activities: Individuals participating in activities such as sailboarding, water skiing, or anyone being towed behind a boat are required to wear a life jacket.
| Activity/Vessel Type | Life Jacket Requirement |
|---|---|
| Boats 16 feet and less | All persons on board must wear a life jacket. |
| Canoes & Kayaks | All persons on board must wear a life jacket. |
| Watercraft Operators & Passengers | All operators and passengers must wear a life jacket. |
| Sailboarding, Water Skiing, or Being Towed | All participants must wear a life jacket. |
Fishing License Requirements
For those planning to fish in Tionesta Lake, adherence to Pennsylvania's fishing regulations is mandatory, which includes possessing a valid fishing license.
- Age Requirement: Anglers 16 years of age and older are required to possess a valid fishing license.
For more information on general regulations and activities in the Pennsylvania Wilds region, you can visit PA Getaway - VISIT PA.
