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November 1 through April 30
Beginning in 2012, the following regulation was established:
•a person shall wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket) during the cold weather months from Nov. 1 through April 30 while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak.
I'm a good
swimmer, so why do I need to wear a life jacket?
Cold water shock is a major factor in boating fatalities when water temperatures are less than 70 degrees F. Cold water shock causes an involuntary gasp (often resulting in aspiration of water), hyperventilation, breathlessness and a reduced ability to control breathing and swim. A life jacket greatly increases your chance for survival in cold water. It also increases the amount of time for you to be rescued.
Is wearing a life jacket really going to save lives?
Cold water shock is a major factor in boating fatalities. It happens when someone is suddenly immersed in cold water. The water does not have to be freezing; cold water shock often occurs in water temperatures above 50°F. Wearing a life jacket greatly increases the chance of survival and will save lives.
Why are waterfowl hunters and late fall/early spring anglers being
singled out with this regulation?
A disproportionate number of fatalities occur during the months of November through April. Cold water immersion is one of the primary reasons for these fatalities, based on Pennsylvania's boating accident data. That's why the chance of a boating accident resulting in a fatality is significantly higher from November through April than during the rest of the year.
Waterfowl hunters in small boats are at a greater risk. While hunting, you often reach overboard while setting or retrieving decoys, retrieving downed game, and may have dogs entering and exiting your boat. Worse yet, you may stand or move quickly in the heat of the hunt. Any of these activities may result in an unexpected fall overboard.
Boat stability is also an issue for anglers. Leaning over the side of the boat to net a trophy, or standing to fight a feisty fish can be enough to capsize a small boat or canoe.
Cold water shock is a major factor in boating fatalities when water temperatures are less than 70 degrees F. Cold water shock causes an involuntary gasp reflex (often resulting in aspiration of water), hyperventilation, breathlessness and a reduced ability to control breathing and to swim. Those wearing a life jacket when exposed to cold water have potentially life-saving advantages such as insulation from the cold, buoyancy and reduced risk of aspiration of water.
As a hunter, how can I be expected to shoot a firearm
accurately while wearing a life jacket?
There are many different styles of U. S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved life jackets available that offer comfort and maneuverability for the shooter. Several Type III and V life jackets have been specifically designed for waterfowl hunters. These styles do not interfere with the fit of your firearm and are often available in a variety of popular camouflage patterns.
I can understand a requirement to wear my life jacket while underway (while the boat is moving or not anchored), but why am I being required to wear it while at anchor?
The majority of fatalities related to cold water shock occur in small boats, canoes and kayaks. These types of craft are small and unstable, especially when at anchor.
Waterfowl hunters in small boats are at a greater risk. While hunting, you often reach overboard while setting or retrieving decoys, retrieving downed game, and may have dogs entering and exiting your boat. Worse yet, you may stand or move quickly in the heat of the hunt. Any of these activities may result in an unexpected fall overboard.
Boat stability is also an issue for anglers. Leaning over the side of the boat to net a trophy, or standing to fight a feisty fish can be enough to capsize a small boat or canoe.
Where can I learn more about life jacket wear and cold water survival?
To learn more about life jacket wear and cold water survival, visit our Water and Ice Safety page, the Coldwater Boot Camp website (http://www.coldwaterbootcamp.com
Here are some cold water survival safety tips:
•Always wear a life jacket, even when not required. Many models also offer insulation from cold air.
•Never boat alone.
•Leave a float plan and know the waters you plan to boat.
•Bring a fully-charged cell phone with you in case of emergency.