There’s nothing quite like drifting down the Susquehanna River with the sun on your face and the water stretching out ahead. You’re not alone in loving it–Pennsylvania’s waterways are home to more than 380,000 registered boats.

With so many people sharing the same waters, every trip brings chances for new adventures–and new encounters. This season’s lower waters especially will increase the chances of interactions, as everyone shares the same deeper channels.

Practicing good boating etiquette helps keep these experiences safe, friendly, and fun for everyone, whether you’re paddling a kayak, casting from a canoe, or cruising in a motorboat. Here are a few tips to help you “go with the flow” this season.

Know the Rules

of the River

Boating regulations aren’t just red tape — they’re designed to keep you and everyone else safe on the water. Make it a habit to stay current on the rules for your state and the specific waterway you’re exploring. If you’re heading out on the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s website is your go-to resource.

There, you’ll find everything from boat registration and licensing to education requirements. Rules can differ for powered boats, unpowered craft, and personal watercraft, so knowing what applies to you is essential. A little preparation goes a long way toward preventing mishaps before they happen.

Know the Waterway

Pennsylvania offers boaters an incredible playground–over 85,000 miles of rivers and streams, 1,100 boat launches, and hundreds of lakes and ponds. But no two waterways are alike, and even the same stretch can change with weather, water levels, or seasonal conditions. Before you head out, check current water levels and study maps of your route to reduce risks and surprises.

If your destination is the Susquehanna River, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership’s online shop offers detailed maps to help you plan. When everyone takes time to prepare, it helps keep the water safe, fun, and welcoming for all.

Yield When

Appropriate

On Pennsylvania waters, powered boats must yield to unpowered craft such as kayaks and canoes. These smaller vessels are slower and less maneuverable, while motorboats have the advantage of speed and size. If you’re under power, give paddlers ample time and space to move to safety–especially solo kayakers or boats that may have fallen behind a group and are harder to spot.

Boats traveling upriver must also give way to a boat traveling downriver. The downstream boat, which is traveling with the current and has less maneuverability, and is the vessel that should maintain its course and speed.In narrow channels, boats should keep as far to the right side as is safe and practical. Smaller recreational boats must not impede the passage of large vessels that have limited navigation within the channel.

All in all, every boater–powered or unpowered–shares the responsibility to yield if it will prevent an accident. Paddlers can help keep traffic moving by avoiding the main navigation channel when possible, especially in busy areas. Courtesy goes both ways, and a little patience can prevent big problems.

Communicate with

Other Vessels

On the water, being seen and heard is half the battle. Obstacles, weather, and other boats can block visibility, so make your intentions clear. Motorized vessels should use proper lights, horns, and other auditory signals when needed–and keep an eye (and ear) out for others trying to get your attention.

Paddlers should take steps to stay visible: wear brightly colored PFDs, hats, or outerwear, and choose kayaks in vivid colors if possible. Always keep a whistle attached to your PFD and learn basic hand signals for on-water communication. A quick signal or shout can prevent confusion, frustration, and collisions.

Honor No-Wake Zones

For small boats, big wakes can be more than just an annoyance–they can be dangerous. Motorized vessels can throw significant wake even at moderate speeds, which may force paddlers to turn into the wave head-on to avoid capsizing. While it might look like they’re “surfing” for fun, it’s often just a necessary safety maneuver.

Whenever possible, give small boats plenty of room from your wake, and respect designated no-wake zones. For paddlers, hugging the shoreline in high-traffic areas–such as marina channels or wide, lake-like sections of the Susquehanna–can help avoid wakes altogether. It’s especially important for less experienced paddlers to stay clear of busy lanes during peak season.

Leave Only Ripples

Boating season is perfect for picnics, campouts, and shoreline cookouts–but the Susquehanna’s beauty depends on everyone doing their part to keep it clean. Whether you’re in a kayak, sailboat, or motorboat, pack out everything you bring in, including trash, recyclables, and food waste.

Following the Leave No Trace principles is a great way to protect the landscapes we share. A clean waterway means better experiences for both people and wildlife–now and for future generations.

Wildlife is Watching

From eagles overhead to turtles on the rocks, Pennsylvania’s waterways are full of wildlife worth admiring–but from a distance. Always honor signs and barriers marking restricted areas and keep noise to a minimum when passing animals on shore or in the water.

Also remember that boats, boards, and gear can carry invasive species between waterways. To help prevent the spread, drain or bilge any standing water before leaving a site, and wash or rinse your vessel and equipment between trips. A few extra minutes of care can protect entire ecosystems.

Get River Ready

Planning your next river adventure? The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership offers paddling safety resources, detailed water trail maps, and an Outdoor Recreation Business Map to help you prepare.

Boating is one of the best ways to explore the Susquehanna Greenway–and when planning, communication, and courtesy come together, everyone benefits. As we enjoy the rest of this boating season, keep these etiquette tips in mind and you’ll be in true ship-shape for safe, friendly, and memorable adventures.

Darian Jones is the Communications and Outreach AmeriCorps Assistant for the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership. A recent graduate of Commonwealth University Bloomsburg, her work with SGP is focused on promoting trails and communities within our vibrant and connected Susquehanna Greenway, so that the public can enjoy opportunities to engage with the outdoors.