Life Jackets Save Lives
It’s time to hit the water and make some waves, but before you do, make sure you’re prepared and understand how and when you need to wear a life jacket.
Every Boat, Every Time
At the top of every boating safety checklist is one must-have item: a life jacket. A life jacket is required by law to be available for every person on every type of watercraft. That’s not only power boats, it also includes kayaks and paddleboards.
It is required by law that all vessels — except sailboards and certain racing shells or rowing sculls — must have at least one wearable life jacket that is U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved and of the proper size for each person on board.
Who needs to wear a life jacket?
All children 12 years of age and younger must wear a USCG approved life jacket (also called a personal floatation device or PFD) anytime while underway on any vessel. The life jacket must be worn according to the design of the manufacturer’s recommended use and must fit the child properly. All snaps must be snapped, and zippers and fasteners closed.
Each person on a personal watercraft such as a Jet Ski or Waverunner must wear a USCG approved life jacket with all fasteners and closures secured according to the manufacturer’s design and recommended use. The life jacket must be adjusted for a snug fit.
Each person being towed behind a vessel on water skis or a similar device must wear a life jacket.
Keep Fun Afloat
Life jackets must be readily accessible, in good and serviceable condition, and sized for the intended wearer. In addition to the above requirements, vessels 16 feet in length or longer, except a canoe or kayak, must have one Throwable USCG approved throwable flotation device on board and readily accessible.
NASBLA Life Jacket Dashboard
These Life Jacket Dashboards provide ready access to U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and state-level recreational boating safety data. Information includes life jacket requirements, seasonal requirements, and state and national wear rate numbers.