In an attempt to save lives that could be lost due to cold water submersion New York has passed legislation requiring the mandatory wearing of a personal flotation device by persons on board vessels less than 21 feet in length between November 1 and May 1. This legislation became effective November 1, 2009. The requirement applies to any pleasure vessel under 21 feet in length including rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and mechanically propelled vessels.
The dangers of cold water submersion are a constant concern at the Northern Forest Canoe Trail Headquarters. This year with support from Kokatat, the United States Coast Guard, and the American Canoe Association, we reprinted a brochure entitled “Cold Water Survival”. This brochure can be accessed as a PDF through the NFCT website under the “Plan a Trip” tab. You can also request a hard copy by contacting the NFCT Membership and Outreach Coordinator, Sandy Tarburton at: sandy@northernforestcanoetrail.org.
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