Photo showed boater without life preserver

I am secretary/treasurer of the St. Lawrence Power Squadron, a boating organization that teaches boating skills and safety to the public. In the Feb. 1 Times, you had a photo of a fishing guide, standing in his boat, maneuvering around an ice floe. He had a nice warm jacket, hat and scarf on. I could not see if he had one of the most important safety devices on under the jacket. I speak of a life preserver. Let’s hope he did!

According to the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Boater’s Guide lists, since 2009, that between Nov. 1 and May 1 anyone on the water in smaller boats must have a life jacket on. This is for the safety of the individual if they accidentally fall in, so they will at least stay afloat until help arrives. And as we all know, the water this time of year is really, really cold. Need I say more!

Elisabeth J. Blackmore

Waddington