December 15, 2010, North Country, NY - It may be winter, but, as seen in this clip from Syracuse, NY-based Your News Now, that hasn't stopped some boaters from heading out onto the waterways. Believe it or not, there are still many stretches of open water.

Because of this, the DEC wants to remind people of the new law that requires everyone on board to wear a life jacket from November 1 to May 1.

While a life jacket might keep you afloat, it won't keep you warm, for that you will need a float suit or survival suit which will keep your core body temperature up if you fall in the water. Without the suit, experts say it's only a matter of minutes before hypothermia sets in.

"The new law is that everyone, regardless of age, has to wear a life jacket, and one thing you might want to consider as we get towards the holiday season and Christmas, it might be an opportunity for the outdoor enthusiast in your family, to have one of these under the tree for them, it does give them that protection and enhances their survivability," said NY Sea Grant Recreation and Tourism Director Dave White.

A float suit is also recommended for ice fishermen. You can find them through mail order catalog stores or hunting supply stores.