Vermont Passes New Cold-Water Life Jacket Mandate for Boaters
On June 16, 2026, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signed Senate Bill S.326 into law. This annual omnibus transportation bill includes language requiring mandatory life jacket use from Nov. 1 through May 1 each year on Vermont waterways. The new law mandates mandatory wear for individuals on an open deck while the vessel is underway. Through this new law, Vermont joins a majority of states in New England and the Northeast in addressing the risks and often deadly outcomes associated with boating during the cold-water season.
Vermont Boating Law Administrator Al Johnson states, “Our goal has always been to ensure that everyone returns home safely from a day on the water. Some of Vermont’s best boating, paddling, hunting and fishing weather occurs in the late spring and early fall.”
The conditions during those seasons can fool a lot of people. On a nice day when the air is 70 degrees, the water may only be 50 degrees, creating a recipe for a bad outcome. With fewer boaters and first responders on the water, the dangers associated with cold-water immersion increase significantly. The impacts of cold shock, physical incapacitation and hypothermia should not be underestimated. By wearing life jackets during the cold-water season, boaters increase their chances of survival in the event of an unexpected fall overboard.
On this, Johnson said, “Once you’re immersed in cold water, the clock is running and it’s working against you. When you’re immersed in water that is 50 degrees or less, your body temperature drops 25 times faster than in open air. Wearing a life jacket buys you time so you can attempt a self-rescue, or until help arrives.”
In addition to wearing a life jacket, other strategies to increase the odds of a safe day on the water include having appropriate safety and communication equipment on board:
- Multiple ways to call for help, including cell phones and a marine VHF radio
- Visual signaling devices, including electronic and pyrotechnic flares, as well as signal mirrors (keep a signal mirror in the pocket of your life jacket)
- Throwable devices such as Type IV PFDs and throw bags
- Sound-producing devices such as horns and whistles (attach a whistle to your life jacket)
- Extra dry, warm clothing in case you get wet
As part of this new legislation, state agencies will conduct education and outreach efforts to raise public awareness about cold-water boating safety and the requirements of the new law. In addition, Vermont will incorporate information about the risks associated with cold-water immersion and the mandatory cold-water life jacket requirement into its boating safety education courses and materials.
Because passing legislation requires the support of stakeholders, lobbyists, advocacy groups and lawmakers, Vermont would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their thoughtful contributions, ongoing support and commitment to keeping Vermonters safe on the water:
- Vermont Sen. Rebecca White (Windsor District)
- Vermont Rep. Golrang “Rey” Garofano (Chittenden-23)
- Vermont Water Safety Action Committee
- Vermont Department of Health
- Greater Burlington YMCA
- U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety
- National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)
- Safe States Alliance
- Jolie Frechette (Morris Strategies)