The key in my opinion is that this rule applies specifically to "Navigable waters."
The Coast Guard defines navigable waters as, "Navigable waters of the United States are those waters that are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide and/or are presently used, or have been used in the past, or may be susceptible for use to transport interstate or foreign commerce." - 33 CFR Part 329
New Hampshire went to a lot of trouble a few years back arguing successfully that NH lakes are not navigable waters and consequently not under coastguard jurisdiction.
That said, it would be wise to use the lanyard if you have one.
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