Kayaks and PFD's

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Gerry Heimann

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A website shows the following for NYS:
Starting Nov. 1, anyone out on the waters of New York in a craft less than 21 feet long must be wearing a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

The rule, in effect through May 1, applies to kayaks, canoes and motorboats on lakes, waterways and the ocean.

Do I understand correctly that while kayaking PFD's are not required from May 2 through October 31?
 
Your understanding is correct under current NYS law. PFD's are only required to be carried in a canoe or kayak.
 
The new rule is to make it easier for rescue teams to find the body. Why anyone wants to kayak during the winter is beyond me but at least make it easier for search and rescue when you fall in and die of hypothermia.
 
I normally have a PFD alongside me when I am out on the boat alone. I should probably get in the habit of actually wearing it on solo cruises.
 
"... habit of actually wearing it on solo cruises..."

Yes, please. Life Jacket and the kill switch lanyard.
 
quote:
Originally posted by JVM225

I normally have a PFD alongside me when I am out on the boat alone. I should probably get in the habit of actually wearing it on solo cruises.
Click to expand...

Same here. My PFD is always along side me alone or not. If I have guest(s), I make sure that the appropiate size is pulled out. At night the PDF has to be worn or along side them. If really nasty weather, it's required to put on.
 
I wear my PFD all the time on my Kayak.....this year I also purchased a helmet...I'm gunna try doing some river runs up at Lake Placid this summer. Should be fun !
 
The law is a well thought out law. When you fall in cold water, especially sub 60 degrees, the natural reaction is to gasp from the cold water, which means you are most likely gasping in water since your head is under the water and then panic sets in and then you drown. Assuming you make it to the surface and able to swim or tread water, you won't be able to do it very long, since hypothermia will set in causing your limbs to go numb and then you drown. A PFD in cold water will save lives.
 
Thanks to all. My gal and I have not been wearing them, nor bringing them along. She seems adamant about not wanting to wear one, but I can't make any excuse not to bring them in the future. We always kayak together, so having them handy is not the best solution but it will help.
 
Gerry , you should know better. Always wear it. Rumor has it that kayaks can sink as one of your buddies found out!
 
That same buddy has also sunk one of his boats and set another on fire. I think there is a trend there!! If you buy a used kayak, you should check to see if it floats!
 
Ha!! I forgot about the fire!
Seriously though,I always keep it on. My wife on the otherhand always resisted. Half jokingly I jumped out one day and told her to get me back on to my kayak. She couldn't and realized all she could do in a bad situation was tie a line to my life jacket and tow me to shore. She wears one now.
Now that my little girl has discovered the joys of boating I find myself wearing a vest on the skiff and the big boat. She sees me put it on and she doesn't fight putting hers on. She'll even yell up to me on the bridge if she doesn't see it on me.
 
Gerry -
Try getting her a good inflatable pfd like a SOSuspenders. They are comfortable to wear and still provide for easy movement when kayaking. Or just tell her if she does not wear the life jacket she may the winner of the Darwin award. All kidding aside, I would not think about kayaking without a pfd. As for winter kayaking, I think thats the best but I'll also be wearing my drysuit.
 
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