Operators of boats less than 26 feet on all New Jersey navigable waterways will be required to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation devices starting in November, according to a news release.
The new regulation requires small boat, rowboat, canoe, kayaks and stand-up paddle board operators and passengers to wear an approved flotation device between Nov. 1 and May 1. The life jacket must be worn whenever a person is outside the cabin.
The legislative regulation is designed to prevent hypothermia and death, and decrease risks posed to first responders during winter searches.
Navigable waterways are patrolled by the NJ State Police Marine Bureau.
