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Random Quote: He who dies with the most toys wins.
Scallop season opened yesterday, one day after a new State law requiring anyone in a boat less than 21' in length to be wearing a PFD while underway. Casual observations on the North Fork reveal zero compliance with the new law; I'm wondering how its being received in other parts of the State.
Thankfully my home state hasn't done this yet. In fact we still let a motorcycle rider go without a helmet if they want to. This is typical liberal thinking. If they don't want a gun, no one should want a gun, and if they don't eat meat no one should eat meat, and if they want to wear a life jacket on the one occasion in twenty years when they actually get on a boat, then every one should wear a life jacket every time the boat is moving. Why not pass out parachutes at the airport next? At least if the boat engine shuts off the boat still floats.
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Tom Marlowe, in the boating industry since 1970.
It took years in NY after the mandatory seat belt law was passed before a majority complied. NY is definitely a liberal leaning state and that is what drives these silly laws that for the most part are not enforced.
This past weekend the DEC was out on one of the south shore long island reefs making boaters under 21' without the proper PFD's go in, if they refused they would have been fined.
I wore a seat belt before it was a law, and I wore a helmet on a motorcycle because I didn't have full body armor, but when I'm puttering up a creek that's only two foot deep and it's ninety degrees out I don't want some legislator deciding that I need to wear a life jacket. I wear one when I think it's a good idea and I think that's the way it should be, in a free society.
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Tom Marlowe, in the boating industry since 1970.
Not that I'm necessarily in favor of it, but you all do know that the law is only for "offseason" boating, from November 1 to May 1 on New York waters.
Not that I'm necessarily in favor of it, but you all do know that the law is only for "offseason" boating, from November 1 to May 1 on New York waters.
Well that certainly makes it more understandable......
It is only for money. If they can write a ticket/fine and increase their cash flow, then they will make the laws.
People don't need to be told what to do. Responsible people wear the vest.
As someone else posted as an example...in 2 feet of water on a hot day, it is just ridiculous.
I think its just a matter of time before it becomes a year long law.
Does anyone know how that 21 feet is measured? Is an outboard included in that measurement or hull only? I appreciate someone looking out for our safety in the off season, but don't force your ideas on me with a badge and ticket book .. I just made my 150 donation to the state . PITA to invite friends out for these last minute runs.
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.
This past weekend the DEC was out on one of the south shore long island reefs making boaters under 21' without the proper PFD's go in, if they refused they would have been fined.
Doesn't make sense:
Did these people have PDFs on board? If not, they should have gotten a ticket and escorted to the nearest dock and not allowed to move the boat until they get the safety equipment.
IF they had them on board but weren't wearing them, they should just put them on.
Having done the research needed I wrote an article a couple of years ago on hypothermia. I'm well aware of the affects of cold water on the human body. Most often the life jacket makes it easier for the rescuers to find the body. It doesn't necessarily save your life. Cold water does it's thing whether you're floating or not. I'm not arguing the help a life jacket could contribute though, just the need for legislation that makes it a law that I wear one.
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Tom Marlowe, in the boating industry since 1970.
Mandatory PFD Usage in NY
All boats are cool. 
.. I just made my 150 donation to the state 
