Summer 2010
New Life Jacket Law in Effect
A new law in New York State now requires all boaters on recreational watercraft less than 21 feet in length (including motorboats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and sailboats) to wear a securely fastened, U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) of the proper size from November 1st to May 1st while on New York State waters. New York State law already required PFDs for all children younger than 12 years old on boats less than 65 feet – with life jackets on board for all others. They must also be worn by anyone in tow, including water skiers and tubers, and by all riders on personal watercraft. It is reported by New York State that immersion in water colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit can lead to hypothermia and passing out within 15 minutes.