Vermont's New Life Jacket Law Takes Effect for Cold-Water Season, Nov. 1 to May 1
MONTPELIER — A new Vermont life jacket law has taken effect as the cold-water season begins: under Senate Bill S.326, signed by Governor Phil Scott, anyone on the open deck of a vessel underway on Vermont waterways must wear a properly secured, U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. The rule is in effect each year from November 1 through May 1.
The legislation addresses the severe, often fatal risks of sudden cold-water immersion. Falling unexpectedly into freezing water triggers an involuntary gasp reflex that sharply increases the risk of inhaling water and drowning, while rapid muscle cooling robs even experienced swimmers of strength and coordination, making it nearly impossible to swim to safety or locate a stowed life jacket. Emergency responses also take longer in cold-water conditions because fewer boats are on the water and off-season search and rescue assets are limited, so boaters must be more self-sufficient.
The mandate applies to recreational watercraft operating on state waterways, including motorboats, sailboats, fishing vessels, pontoons, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, and exempts U.S. Coast Guard-inspected commercial vessels. The required life jacket must be in serviceable, undamaged condition and correctly sized for the wearer.
Sources: Vermont Senate Bill S.326; The Charlotte News
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: Lake Champlain 上的船只，佛蒙特州。Boat on Lake Champlain, Vermont. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
