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Memorial Day Weekend Boating Safety and Tips

May. 27 2023 Miscellaneous By Lighthouse Harbor Media

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Memorial Day Weekend is truly the biggest, and busiest weekend of the year that starts off the summer season in the Poconos like a rocket! Outdoor Enthusiasts visit Lake Wallenpaupack from absolutely everywhere for camping, hiking, kayaking, motor boating, locals events and summer home cookouts! For boaters, this is the major weekend that lets them break out their boats from the long winter sleep and take the family out on an epic lake adventure at full throttle! Whether you are a local boater or visiting, here are some really important safety tips and basics about boating on Lake wallenpaupack that you should know ahead!

Where can I launch my boat on Lake Wallenpaupack? (Lighthouse Harbor Marina is not a public launch area, please check out the following Boat Access and Recreation Areas):

  • Mangan Cove (free)
  • Caffrey
  • Ironwood Point
  • Ledgedale
  • Willsonville

What is the speed limit on Lake Wallenpaupack? (There is no horsepower limit to motors on the lake)

  • Boaters are limited to 45 MPH from Sunrise to Sunset on Weekends and Holidays, beginning from the Saturday before Memorial Day until Labor Day.
  • Boats are limited to 25 MPH from Sunset to Sunrise.

Check List and Boating Safety Equipment Suggestions? (Coast Guard and Local Specialists Recommends)

  • Emergency Kit: First Aid, Flares, Whistles, Spare Anchor, Phone Charger + Adapter
  • Marina Radio on Board
  • Know your weather conditions! Mountain weather can change very suddenly, so be sure to check updates the morning of and throughout the day.
  • Life Jackets! Life Jackets! Life Jackets!
    • Make sure they are snug, so they can't come up and over your head.
    • Have enough, correct fitting, on board for the number of people you have in your group!
    • 80% of boating fatalities every year are because a person wasn't wearing a life jacket.
    • All kids 12 and under, must wear a life jacket on all boats under 20 feet, all canoes & all kayaks. 
  • Boat Sober!
    • Have a designated boat driver if you are planning on drinking with friends on a boat. The legal limit for B.U.I s (boating under the influence) and D.U.I s (driving under the influence) are the same!

If I need to get my boat towed, who do I call?

  • A Boat Tow U.S Membership is your best option! They have a variety of packages based on where you are boating all over the U.S! They are the 24/7 AAA but for boats!
    • Lighthouse Harbor Marina is a proud port for one of the Tow Boats, as well as a cooperating marina that offers Tow Boat U.S members some of the benefits included, such as 10 cents off per gallon of gas!
    • Contact "Towboat U.S. Lake Wallenpaupack" - 24-Hour Dispatch : 1-800-391-4869 or 570-493-2911
    • Visit the following link for more information and pricing: TowBoatUSNEPA.com

Who can drive a boat in PA?

  • If you were born after January 1st 1982, you must have either: a boating license or proof of a passed boaters safety course with you (any state).
    • You can easily take your test online and get your lifetime certification in less than 2 hours! : Boat-Ed.com
  • Boat Rentals require Renters to be 21+ and with a drivers license. 
  • No one under the age of 11 can take the wheel. 

Thinking of going out Boating by yourself? (Motorized and Un-Motorized)

  • Make sure you send a text or leave a note where someone can see, and know where you are going boating and the approximate time frame. 
  • Check in with someone or post online, throughout the day, so at least someone knows how you are doing and where.

Be safe out there and enjoy!