Mandatory PFD Usage in NY

[LI32]

Originally Posted by jillybird

This is a very sensible law. From November 1 to May 1, the water temps in NY range from the mid-50s down into the 30s. The law only applies to boats of 21 feet or less and only to winter boating.

That's now. Just give it time, it will soon be 65' and year round - New York knows how to reach into your pocket better than any other state in the country - there is a reason why it is number one on the list of highest in taxes, fees and costs of living.

[phillipgo]

JEVLACH. Thanks for the update. Its kind of like the seat belt law. Sucks until something happens to you. I never wore a seat belt until they made it a law. This past year I totaled my truck and still broke my sternum even with the belt and air bag. If I had not been wearing it I would have probably been through the windshield and onto the highway below. Guess I'll have to keep that in mind wearing a damn life vest.

[fishingfun]

Originally Posted by jillybird

This is a very sensible law. From November 1 to May 1, the water temps in NY range from the mid-50s down into the 30s. The law only applies to boats of 21 feet or less and only to winter boating. With these low water temps, hypothermia sets in within minutes, and without a PFD you are simply dead. Now most boaters are out of the water by this time of the year, but the percentage of fatalities/boater is far greater. There is simply no downside to this law, and this law may well save lives. There is no reason whatsoever that a person in a small boat in the winter should not be wearing a PFD. And, the waters around here are rarely 2 foot deep -- On LI Sound, we average between 40 and 100 feet of depth.

I don't think a life jacket will save someone from hypothermia but it will make it easier for the CG to retrieve the body.

[White Bear]

Originally Posted by Boatdood

Most often the life jacket makes it easier for the rescuers to find the body.

Then the PFD has performed another service in trimming the exposure times for rescue/recovery personnel.

[rwidman]

My advice to anyone who doesn't like a law is to just ignore it.