As you've seen, we've written a fair number of times about how life jackets save lives, such as yours.  This article is about that.

Cold Kills

We've all heard the mantra that "Speed Kills" – and so does cold water.  As you know, New York was the first state to require everyone aboard all small boats to wear life jackets during the coldest half of the year. Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut soon followed.  As of November 1, kayakers, canoeists, and those aboard all other boats under 21 feet must wear Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) while on New York's coastal waters, lakes, rivers, and other waterways.  PFDs on such vessels become optional again in the Spring – May 1.  Here is the info on CT, MA, and PA.

CONNECTICUT: Anyone under 12 must wear a PFD. Skiers and PWC riders need them also. Between Oct. 1 and May 30th, all people in canoes. Fines are $75.

MASSACHUSETTS: State law requires anyone being towed, PWC users, canoeists/kayakers from mid-September to mid-May to all wear PFDs. Children 12 and under must wear them also. The fines are $50.

PENNSYLVANIA: Boaters must all wear life jackets on vessels under 16 feet from November 1 to April 30. Boaters 12 and under must wear life jackets on any vessel under 20 feet including kayaks and canoes. Anyone on a PWC or being towed must wear one as well. The fines are $50.

While not as "aggressive" as this author would like, i.e., boats could certainly be larger than 20' and fines could be higher, as an example, let's not be churlish.  Although CT, MA, and PA have seasonal PFD requirements as noted above, New York's law is broader and affects all pleasure craft including small sailboats and motorboats (rowing shells used by crew teams are exempt).

Let's Review!

What are the laws in the State of New York?  Here they are in a PDF.

Every pleasure vessel operated upon the waters of New York must carry at least one USCG approved Type I,II or III Personal Flotation Device (PFD), or life jacket as they are more commonly known, for each person on board. All life jackets on your vessel must be:

• Serviceable - free of rot, tears, punctures, waterlogging and all straps functional.
• readily accessible - quickly reachable in an emergency situation, never kept in plastic bags or under lock and key.
• appropriate size for the intended wearer - check the USCG approval label for information on the intended user for a particular PFD.

Wear Requirements for Personal Flotation Devices

• Children under the age of twelve must wear a Type I, II or III PFD on board a vessel unless they are in a fully enclosed cabin. The PFD must be the appropriate size for the child.
• Anyone operating or riding on a personal watercraft (Jet Ski, Wave Runner, or similar craft)
• Anyone being towed behind another vessel such as water skiers, tubers, parasailing, etc. You are exempt if you are on a disabled vessel and being towed.

 Types of Personal Flotation Devices

• Off-Shore Life Jacket (Type I PFD) Effective for all waters, this type of lifejacket provides the most buoyancy. They are designed to turn most unconscious wearers in the water to a face-up position. There are two sizes: adult, with 22 lbs of buoyancy; and the children's size with 11 lbs of buoyancy.
• Near-Shore Buoyant Vest (Type II PFD) The near-shore buoyant vest is intended for calm, inland water, where there is a good chance of a quick rescue. This type of lifejacket will turn some wearers over, but not reliably. The adult vest provides 15.5 lbs of buoyancy, and the child's vest 7 lbs.
• Flotation Aid (Type III PFD) Good for calm, inland water, where there is a good chance for immediate rescue. These are designed for special recreational activities such as water skiing. Type III provides the same buoyancy as the Type II, but without any turning ability. They come in many colors and styles, and in general, are the most comfortable type of life jackets available.
• Throwable Devices (Type IV PFD) These PFDs are designed to be thrown to a person in the water, grasped and held until rescued. These devices are not intended to be worn. At least 1 Type IV PFD must be carried on all vessels 16' or greater in length.
• Inflatable PFDs The United States Coast Guard is now approving both automatic and manually inflatable PFDs for use on recreational vessels. Please keep in mind that while they are comfortable and lightweight, they are not suitable for non-swimmers, waterskiers, youths under the age of 12 and riders of personal watercraft. Always consult the approval label on any PFD to determine if it is approved for the activity in which you plan to use it.

Don't have a current NYS Boating Regulations Guide?  Email me – we'll find a way to get it to you.  Similarly, if you'd like a copy of any of the columns cited, email me and I will send it to you.

BTW, if you are interested in being part of USCG Forces, email me at [email protected] or go directly to the US Coast Guard Auxiliary "Flotilla Finder" at  http://www.cgaux.org/units.php and we will help you "get in this thing . . ."