Cold Weather Boaters
Anyone underway in a boat less than 21 feet in length anytime between November 1 and May 1 must wear a securely fastened life jacket. This in-cludes canoes, kayaks, rowboats and motorboats Commercial vessels are exempt.
NYS Nav. Law Section 40.1(e).
Youths Under 12
Any youth under the age of 12 on boats 65 feet or less in length must wear a securely fastened U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device of appropriate size. It does not apply if the youth is in a full en-closed cabin.
NYS Nav. Law Section 40.1(d).