Pennsylvania Governor Signs Dam Safety Signage Law
New legislation requires warning signs at all run-of-the-river dams to improve water safety across the state.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Accidents
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed a new law on Thursday requiring warning signs at all run-of-the-river dams. The legislation follows advocacy from the family of Jon Gentile, who died in a 2022 kayaking accident after going over an unmarked dam.
Why it matters
The law aims to prevent future tragedies by ensuring water hazards are clearly marked for recreational users. It was drafted by the niece of Kathy Gentile to address the hidden dangers of run-of-the-river dams.
The legislation was signed into law on Thursday following a legislative process initiated by the victim's family. Compliance and enforcement procedures for the installation of signs are now moving into the implementation phase.
The players
Josh Shapiro
He is the Governor of Pennsylvania who signed the new dam safety legislation into law.
Jon Gentile
He was a kayaker who died in 2022 after going over an unmarked run-of-the-river dam.
Kathy Gentile
She is the widow of Jon Gentile who advocated for the passage of the new safety law.
The details
The bill mandates that adequate warning signs be installed on rivers to alert boaters and kayakers to the presence of dams. The legislation was written by a 24-year-old relative of the victim to specifically address the risks posed by run-of-the-river structures.
Timeline
Jon Gentile died while kayaking in 2022.
Governor Josh Shapiro signed the dam safety law on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The Gentile family was recognized at a football game on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Legal Context
This legislation establishes a new precedent for water safety infrastructure by standardizing warning requirements at previously unmarked dams. It represents a shift toward mandatory hazard notification for recreational waterways following years of safety concerns.
Residents engaging in river recreation will notice new warning signs posted at run-of-the-river dams across the state. These safety markers are designed to provide clear navigation alerts to prevent accidental passage over hazards.
The takeaway
This law demonstrates how families can successfully champion public safety reforms after personal loss. Recreational water users should remain vigilant and always scout unfamiliar river sections regardless of posted signage.
Further reading
For more information on waterway safety and legislative updates, visit the Pennsylvania Accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pittsburgh's Action News 4.
