Committee debates seasonal life‑jacket requirement for most small vessels

The committee debated a proposal to require people on most small vessels to wear U.S. Coast Guard‑approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) while underway on open decks between Nov. 1 and May 1. Staff said the change aims to reduce deaths from cold‑water shock and aligns with similar seasonal rules in several other Northeast states.

The measure, explained by the staff member leading bill drafting (Staff member), would exempt individuals who are on a vessel in water not more than 3 feet deep while actively hunting or bow‑fishing with a valid license, and it would not apply to Coast Guard‑inspected commercial vessels such as ferries. "This was proposed to address cold‑water shock or cold‑water concerns," the staff member said.

Committee members questioned whether the Nov. 1–May 1 window is appropriate for Vermont water bodies. One committee member noted recent local incidents where strong swimmers were surprised by cold water and urged reconsidering the dates: "I’m just wondering if these dates are the right dates for water bodies of water in the state of Vermont because I’m guessing that ... even up to June 1, it’s pretty bold," the member said. Another member asked whether the requirement would realistically increase safety without accompanying outreach and suggested witnesses and public education be part of next steps.

Members also raised sport‑specific concerns. One committee member said mandatory wear could impede the competitive nature of ice‑boating and other organized events, and asked how the law would apply to activities on ice. The staff member said the provision targets vessels "underway" and would not be intended to capture persons stationary on frozen surfaces.

Staff provided background that testimony in a prior senate hearing included representatives from the Department of Public Safety, the YMCA, the Department of Health, the Vermont Recreation and Parks Association, and the Vermont Traditions Coalition. The staff member said the committee heard a handout and testimony from advocates who presented state comparisons and urged more targeted outreach. The staff member also said the U.S. Coast Guard had set expectations about sticker placement on motorboats in a separate section of the bill.

No formal vote or final action occurred; the committee requested additional witnesses and follow‑up materials, and the meeting paused for a scheduled break. The committee will hear more testimony before deciding whether to move the provision forward.