Boy who drowned in Yellow Breeches was not wearing a life vest: Fish and Boat Commission

A 10-year-old boy who drowned in the Yellow Breeches Creek in northern York County earlier this month was not wearing a life jacket, said Mike Parker, communications director for the state Fish & Boat Commission.

Matthew Coffroth Jr.'s body was found in the morning of Aug. 14 in Fairview Township after a 3.5-day-long search and recovery along the creek, which borders York and Cumberland counties.

The Lancaster County boy was kayaking with family and friends on Aug. 10 when they ran into heavy debris, including some from the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby. Most of the party was able to get out of the creek, but the youth was swept away.

About 250 first responders from seven counties and two states helped with the search for the missing boy.

The state Fish & Boat Commission regulations require children 12 and under to wear a life jacket on boats that are 20 feet or less as well as kayaks, paddleboards and canoes, Parker said.

Some life jackets were present within the group that day, Parker said.

From Nov. 1 through April 30, all individuals are required to wear a life vest on canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and boats less than 16 feet in length, according to the Fish & Boat Commission.

Individuals who wear a life jacket have a better chance of survival if they fall into the water, Parker said. National statistics show that victims in 80 percent of boating fatalities were not wearing one.

In the 10 boating-related fatalities in Pennsylvania so far this year, seven were not wearing a life jacket and one is unknown, he said.

Matthew Coffroth Jr. "was known for his kind heart, quick wit, and infectious smile," according to his obituary .

The accident remains under investigation, Parker said.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Boy who drowned in Yellow Breeches was not wearing a life vest: Fish and Boat Commission