Even though we have nicer weather moving in, and occasional warm-to-hot afternoon, this is the most dangerous time of year for hypothermia on our region's waters. We continuously post about the importance of safety gear, especially when the water is still cold, but we thought we would repost the PA regulations on wearing a life jacket this time of year (PFD).
From the PA Fish and Boat Commission:
http://fishandboat.com/boatcrs/pfd/faq-pfd-cold.htm
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission passed a new regulation at its September 27, 2011, meeting on life jacket wear during cold weather months. This regulation takes effect November 1, 2012, and states that:
a person shall wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket) during the cold weather months from November 1st through April 30th while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak.
Here is a link to info about the similar regulation in New York State:
http://nysparks.com/newsroom/press-releases/release.aspx?r=760
