Mandatory Kayaking Law in Effect Now in New York State

There are going to be a lot of kayaks and canoes in the water in New York State now that it is finally warm outside, but there is a new rule set since May 1st has ended.

The new kayak law states that you DO NOT need to wear a life vest after May 1 during the summer in New York State. In fact, if your vessel is less than 21 feet long you do not have to if you are over the age of 12. When November 21 hits than you have to wear a life vest. That is because the water temperatures drop so much that if you fall in the chance of survival is much lower because of risks of hypothermia.

This goes for canoes as well.

According to the New York State law:

State law requires all children under 12 to wear a PFD while on a watercraft.
State law also requires all people on a pleasure vessel less than 21 feet long to wear a PFD between November 1 and May 1.

The laws in New York State are changing and you CANNOT just get on a boat that you rent and start driving anymore.

There used to be a time where you and your friends could rent a pontoon and just set sail as long as someone had a drivers license. That is not the case anymore. In New York State, ANYONE operating a watercraft must have their boaters safety certificate.