PFBC: Cold-weather life jacket requirement still in effect
As the weather begins to warm, the PFBC understands that it can be easy to forget the requirement, however, it will be in effect through April 30. From Nov. 1 through April 30, boaters are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any kayak, canoe or paddleboard.
'This time of year, despite the balmy springtime temperatures, it can be a tragic time for boaters who don't wear their life jackets,' Mark Sweppenhiser, Director of the PFBC's Bureau of Boating, said. 'On sunny days when warm air temperatures draw us outdoors for our favorite activities like fishing and boating, please remember water temperatures are still bitterly cold and present tremendous danger to someone who falls into the water.'
Sudden cold-water immersion occurs when a person is unexpectedly plunged into cold water. The PFBC noted that cold-water shock can result in water inhalation, leading to panic, hyperventilation or the inability to swim.
While nearly 80% of all boating fatalities occurred because boaters were not wearing life jackets, since the mandatory life jacket wear law was enacted in 2012, the PFBC has seen a 50% drop in boating incidents resulting in fatalities during the cold weather months.
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