November 2, 2026 | By Waterbury Roundabout
Under a new law passed this year, Vermont boaters now must wear life jackets during the colder months, from Nov. 1 through May 1.
Senate bill S.326 passed by the Legislature requires anyone on the open deck of a vessel on Vermont waterways to wear a properly secured, U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. This new safety rule went into effect Nov. 1.
Al Johnson, the state’s Boating Law Administrator with the Vermont State Police Marine Division, explains that the legislation addresses the severe, often fatal risks associated with sudden cold-water immersion.
When an individual unexpectedly falls into freezing water, the physical shock triggers an immediate, involuntary gasp for air. This reflex significantly increases the risk of inhaling water and drowning. Additionally, rapid cooling of the muscles quickly robs even the most experienced swimmers of their strength and coordination, making it nearly impossible to swim to safety or locate a stowed life jacket. By requiring boaters to wear their life jackets proactively, the law ensures immediate buoyancy and drastically improves survival and rescue times, Johnson said.
Adding to the risk of cold-weather emergencies on the water is that emergency responses take longer due to fewer boats on the water and limited off-season search and rescue availability. Boaters operating during this timeframe need to be prepared to be self-sufficient in the event of an emergency.
This new rule applies to recreational watercraft operating on state waterways, including motorboats, sailboats, fishing vessels, pontoons, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. It exempts U.S. Coast Guard-inspected commercial vessels. It also requires that the personal flotation devices in use are serviceable and undamaged, and correctly sized for the individual wearer.
State officials are launching education efforts to be sure the public is aware of the new rule.
The Vermont State Police and Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department are integrating cold-water safety curriculum into state-approved boating education courses and online content.
Johnson said that one of the key messages is the “1-10-1 principle” of what to do if you fall into cold water. The first minute may mean cold shock, causing someone who falls into cold water to gasp for air; try to keep your airway above water. Within the next 10 minutes, cold water diminishes the ability to use hands, arms and legs; use that time to get back on your boat or to shore. Severe hypothermia takes hold within one hour; if you can’t get out of the water, try to conserve energy by staying still and signaling for help.
The new life-jacket requirement aligns Vermont with other Northeast states in prioritizing maritime safety, officials said. They also remind those headed out onto the water during cold-weather months to be sure to check marine forecasts via NOAA Weather, to dress well in layers, and to remember that a life jacket can only save a life if you are actively wearing it.
More information is on the Vermont State Police-Marine Division website, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators webpage and the new Safe Boating Vermont Facebook page.