Boaters warned

of flotation need

MONTPELIER — The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife is warning boaters of the need to wear personal flotation devices when boating on the New York side of Lake Champlain during the cold-weather months.

The New York state boating law applies to all people on motorboats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboats less than 21 feet in length from Nov. 1 to May 1.

The law doesn’t apply in Vermont, but Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Patrick Berry is encouraging anglers and boaters to be cautious and safe while on any watercraft as the water temperatures decline.

The department is also reminding anglers and boaters that children under 12 must wear a Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device at all times while boating on any body of water in Vermont.