THIS TIME NEXT YEAR. APPLICATIONS WILL BEGIN TO BE ACCEPTED NEXT SPRING. MANY PEOPLE CONSIDER MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND THE UNOFFICIAL START OF SUMMER. AND IN OUR REGION THAT MEANS BOATS HEADING INTO THE WATER – AND DOCKS FILLING UP ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN. NBC5’S YUNIER MARTINEZ IS LIVE IN BURLINGTON WITH WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT….YUNIER? LIZ, BRIAN… I ACTUALLY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO ON A BOAT RIDE MYSELF EARLIER TODAY WITH A CREWS FROM THE BURLINGTON FLEET CLUB. THEY SAY NO MATTER HOW NICE THE WEATHER LOOKS, SAFETY HAS TO COME FIRST <boat> WITH BOAT SEASON GETTING UNDERWAY, BOATING EXPERTS ARE REMINDING EVERYONE THAT SAFETY COMES FIRST. THEY URGE EVERY VESSEL TO CARRY LIFE JACKETS, FLOTATION DEVICES, AND EVEN A BLANKET- ESSENTIALS IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. “FERRY DOCK MARINA” ADDS THAT KNOWING YOUR BOAT AND KEEPING AN EYE ON THE WEATHER CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE ON THE WATER. AND WHILE THE SUN MAY MAKE IT FEEL LIKE SUMMER, THE WATER TELLS A DIFFERENT STORY. BURLINGTON’S U.S. COAST GUARD STATION SAYS LAKE CHAMPLAIN IS STILL COLD ENOUGH TO BE U.S. Coast Guard Station, Burlington <“You won’t see it get super warm until late June into July. But you have to remember, you could still get hypothermia at 74 degrees.”> AND IF YOUR PLANS…. TAKE YOU ACROSS THE STATE LINE NEW YORK NOW REQUIRES EVERYONE OPERATING A MOTORIZED VESSEL TO CARRY A BOATING-SAFETY CERTIFICATE EVEN ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN OFFICIALS RECOMMEND TAKING A SAFETY COURSE – OR AT LEAST REVIEWING THE BASICS EVERY YEAR
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Boaters return to Lake Champlain: What officials want you to know
‘You could still get hypothermia at 74 degrees,’ said Jacob Raucci, of Burlington’s US Coast Guard Station
Updated: 5:25 PM EDT May 21, 2025
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, boaters across Vermont are eagerly preparing to set sail, marking what many consider the unofficial start of summer. Lake Champlain is beginning to fill with vessels as marinas and dockyards come to life with activity.However, safety remains the top priority for local boating organizations. Philip Scott, founder of the Burlington Fleet Club, emphasized the importance of safety training ahead of the big holiday weekend.“The biggest concern is always teaching them techniques on how to drive safely, how to dock safely, how to control the boat properly,” said Scott. “We don’t want anyone getting hurt.”Although the sunshine may feel like summer, the water tells a different story. According to Jacob Raucci of Burlington’s U.S. Coast Guard Station, the lake remains cold enough to pose a danger.“You could still get hypothermia at 74 degrees,” Raucci said.Boaters are urged to ensure every vessel is equipped with life jackets, throwable flotation devices, and even blankets to mitigate the risk of cold-water shock. Barbara Lougee, of Ferry Dock Marina, adds that understanding one’s boat and staying alert to changing weather is key: “Weather changes so fast on the lake, it’s important to really understand your boat and steering.”Additionally, a new regulation in New York now requires all motorized vessel operators to carry a boating safety certificate, even when boating on Lake Champlain.Vermont officials recommend that boaters take a safety course or review boating guidelines annually.As the season begins, experts stress a balance of enjoyment and caution.“Safety is our biggest concern, and then enjoyment,” Scott said.
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, boaters across Vermont are eagerly preparing to set sail, marking what many consider the unofficial start of summer.
Lake Champlain is beginning to fill with vessels as marinas and dockyards come to life with activity.
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However, safety remains the top priority for local boating organizations.
Philip Scott, founder of the Burlington Fleet Club, emphasized the importance of safety training ahead of the big holiday weekend.
“The biggest concern is always teaching them techniques on how to drive safely, how to dock safely, how to control the boat properly,” said Scott. “We don’t want anyone getting hurt.”
Although the sunshine may feel like summer, the water tells a different story.
According to Jacob Raucci of Burlington’s U.S. Coast Guard Station, the lake remains cold enough to pose a danger.
“You could still get hypothermia at 74 degrees,” Raucci said.
Boaters are urged to ensure every vessel is equipped with life jackets, throwable flotation devices, and even blankets to mitigate the risk of cold-water shock.
Barbara Lougee, of Ferry Dock Marina, adds that understanding one’s boat and staying alert to changing weather is key: “Weather changes so fast on the lake, it’s important to really understand your boat and steering.”
Additionally, a new regulation in New York now requires all motorized vessel operators to carry a boating safety certificate, even when boating on Lake Champlain.
Vermont officials recommend that boaters take a safety course or review boating guidelines annually.
As the season begins, experts stress a balance of enjoyment and caution.
“Safety is our biggest concern, and then enjoyment,” Scott said.
