When you’re out sailing, canoeing, kayaking, or water-skiing, you need to be prepared at all times. Wearing a life jacket or Personal Floatation Device (PFD) is a must, even if you’re a great swimmer. A life jacket will help you stay afloat in case of emergency and prevent you from drowning. If you lose consciousness, a good life jacket will also keep your body in an upright position in the water, allowing you to breathe without taking in water through your nose or mouth. In this article, I’ll list all current life jacket laws by state so you can quickly learn the local laws and PFD requirements in your waterways.
What is a Life Jacket?
A life jacket is typically made from thick, insulated material. The best life jackets keep you upright in the water so you can breathe even if you lose consciousness. Some will even insulate you to keep you warm while you wait for rescue.
Is Wearing a Life Jacket Required?
In the United States, wearing a life jacket is mandatory in every state.
The laws vary somewhat from one state to the next in terms of the minimum age requirement, type of vessel, or when the vessel is moored or underway.
For states that have no life jacket laws for children, the US Coast Guard (USCG) provides an interim rule that requires children under 13 years of age who are on moving vessels to wear a USCG-approved life jacket that fits.
So the rule of thumb for every state is that if you’re under 13, you are required to wear a life jacket in a moving boat.
The Life Jacket I Use and Recommend
In most states, wearing a life jacket or PFD is the law when you’re out on the water.
If you’re like me, you want a safe, effective PFD that doesn’t limit your range of movement when paddling. That’s why I highly recommend this one from Onyx.
It offers great range of motion, can keep me afloat in the water (I’m 6’2″), and it is very comfortable.
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What Are the Life Jacket Laws in Every US State?
The table below lists life jacket laws by state. Click on the name of any of the states and you’ll jump to a more detailed description of the current PFD requirements for that U.S. state:
| State | PFD Requirements |
| Alabama | Children under 8 years of age (unless they’re in an enclosed cabin), are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times, whether on board or being towed. |
| Alaska | Children under 13 years of age are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times, whether on deck, in an open vessel, or being towed. |
| Arizona | All vessels, except sailboards and racing shells, must have at least one USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for each passenger. Children under 12 years of age are required to wear a Type I, II, or III USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while underway on a vessel. |
| Arkansas | Children 12 years and younger are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times. The only exception is when the children are in an enclosed area of a houseboat or cruiser, or within an area enclosed by railings when the boat is NOT underway. |
| California | Children under 13 years old are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times when aboard a moving water vessel of any length. |
| Colorado | Children 12 years old and younger are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times when aboard any moving water vessel. |
| Connecticut | Children 12 years old and younger are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times when aboard any water vessel that is underway. |
| Delaware | Children 12 years old and under are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on any vessel or watercraft, except when it is moored, or when the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin. |
| Florida | Children under 6 years old are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times when aboard any water vessel less than 26 feet long that is underway. |
| Georgia | Children under 13 years old are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on any moving vessel or watercraft, except when in an enclosed cabin. |
| Hawaii | Children 12 years old and under are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on any vessel or watercraft, except when it is moored, or when the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin. |
| Idaho | Children 14 years old and under must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times when aboard any water vessel less than 20 feet that is underway. |
| Illinois | Children under 13 years old are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on any moving vessel or watercraft, except when below deck in an enclosed cabin or on a vessel operating on private property. |
| Indiana | Children under 13 years old are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while the vessel or watercraft is underway on waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction, except when the child is below deck in an enclosed cabin or when the vessel is moored or docked. |
| Iowa | Children 12 years old and younger are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times when aboard any water vessel that is underway. |
| Kansas | Children 12 years old and younger are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times when aboard any water vessel that is underway. |
| Kentucky | Children 12 years old and younger are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times when aboard any water vessel that is underway. |
| Louisiana | Persons under 17 years old must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times when aboard any moving water vessel less than 26 feet long. |
| Maine | Children 10 years old and younger are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times when aboard any water vessel. |
| Maryland | Children 12 years old and younger are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times when aboard any water vessel less than 21 feet in length, except when the child is below deck in an enclosed cabin or when the vessel is moored or docked. |
| Massachusetts | Children under 12 years of age are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times when aboard any moving water vessel except when the child is below deck. |
| Michigan | Children under 6 years old are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while underway on the open deck of any water vessel. |
| Minnesota | Children under 10 years old are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while underway on any water vessel. |
| Mississippi | Children 12 years old and younger are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times when aboard any water vessel less than 26 feet in length. |
| Missouri | Children under 10 years old are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any water vessel unless the child is inside a fully enclosed cabin. |
| Montana | Children under 12 years of age and sailboard operators under 15 years old must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any moving water vessel. |
| Nebraska | Children 12 years of age or younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any water vessel. |
| Nevada | Children 12 years of age or younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any moving water vessel, unless the child is below deck or inside an enclosed cabin. |
| New Hampshire | Children 12 years of age or younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any moving water vessel, unless the vessel has continuous side rails 3 feet or above in height enclosing the perimeter. |
| New Jersey | Children 12 years of age or younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any moving water vessel, unless the child is in an enclosed, non-removable cabin. |
| New Mexico | Children 12 years of age or younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any moving water vessel, unless the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck. |
| New York | Children 12 years of age or younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any water vessel less than 65 feet in length, unless the child is in an enclosed cabin. |
| North Carolina | Children under 13 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any moving water vessel unless the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck. |
| North Dakota | Children 10 years of age and under must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any moving water vessel less than 27 feet long. |
| Ohio | Children 10 years of age and under must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any water vessel less than 18 feet in length. |
| Oklahoma | Children under 13 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any moving water vessel less than 26 feet long. |
| Oregon | Children 12 years of age and under must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on the open deck of any moving or towed water vessel. |
| Pennsylvania | Children 12 years of age or younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on any moving vessel, including kayaks and canoes, less than 21 feet long. |
| Rhode Island | Children under 13 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any moving water vessel less than 65 feet long, except when in an enclosed cabin or below deck. |
| South Carolina | Children under 12 years old must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any water vessel less than 16 feet long. |
| South Dakota | Children under 7 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any moving water vessel, except when in an enclosed cabin or below deck. |
| Tennessee | Children 12 years of age or younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on any moving vessel. |
| Texas | Children under 13 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any moving water vessel less than 26 feet long, including paddle crafts. |
| Utah | Children 12 years old or younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any water vessel, except when the child is in an enclosed cabin, and the vessel is longer than 18 feet. |
| Vermont | Children younger than 12 years old must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on the open deck of an underway vessel. Persons on sailboards must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times if under 16 years old. |
| Virginia | Children 12 years of age or younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any moving vessel, except when the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin. |
| Washington | Children 12 years old or younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any moving water vessel less than 19 feet long, except when the child is in an enclosed cabin. |
| West Virginia | Children 12 years old or younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on the deck of any moving water vessel or motorboat. |
| Wisconsin | Children under 13 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any moving water vessel. |
| Wyoming | Children under 13 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while on board any moving water vessel, unless when inside an enclosed cabin. |
PFD Requirements and other Life Jacket Laws by State
ALABAMA
In Alabama, all boats operating on waterways must carry one wearable, Coast Guard-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed. Vessel operators must ask everyone on board to wear a PFD whenever on the water. All life jackets must be in good condition and in a size that fits the intended wearer.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| All boats must carry at least one Type I (Off-shore Life Jacket), Type II (Near-Shore Vests), Type III (Flotation Aids), Type IV (Throwable Devices) for each person, whether aboard or being towed. If Type V (Special-Use Devices) PFD is used, it must be approved by the USCG. | Under 8 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin. |
ALASKA
In the state of Alaska, local life jacket laws require all vessel and boat operators to properly carry, store, and use safety equipment. Each boat must have one wearable, Coast Guard-approved life jacket or PFD for each person on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| All boats must carry at least one Type I (Off-shore Life Jacket), Type II (Near-Shore Vests), Type III (Flotation Aids), Type III (Throwable Devices) for each person, whether aboard or being towed. If approved by the USCG for the activity in which it is being used, a Type V PFD may be substituted for a Type I, Type II, or Type III PFD. | Children under 13 years old. When being towed, any child 12 years old or under must wear a Type I, Type II or Type III PFD approved by the USCG. | Wearing a USCG-approved PFD is mandatory for all persons on a PWC. The use of inflatable PFDs is not recommended. | Vessels at least 16 feet in length, except canoes and kayaks, must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | Inflatable PFDs are not legally approved for children. Likewise, they are not to be used in any high-impact sports like water-skiing. |
ARIZONA
The state of Arizona requires all boat operators to carry at least one wearable USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger. This includes watercrafts such as paddleboards and kayaks. All life jackets must be in good condition and in a size that fits the intended wearer. Life jackets should be readily available. They cannot be stowed or locked inside compartments or plastic bags.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| All life jackets or PFDs must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. Children may wear hybrid inflatable (uses foam and inflation for buoyancy) USCG-approved life jackets or PFDs. Non-hybrid inflatables are allowed for persons 16 years and older. | 12 years old and under. | All persons on a PWC while the vessel is underway. | Boats at least 16 feet in length, except canoes or kayaks, must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | Sailboards and racing shells |
ARKANSAS
In Arkansas, all persons, including children under 13 years old, aboard any water vessel must wear a UCG-approved life jacket or PFD all the time, except when the boat is not underway and the child is an enclosed area or an area enclosed by railings.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | 12 years old and under. | Wearing a USCG-approved PFD is mandatory for all persons on a PWC. The use of inflatable PFDs is not approved. | All vessel lengths. Boats at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | If the child is within an enclosed area of a houseboat or cruiser or within the area enclosed by railings on a party barge, cruiser, or houseboat, and the vessel is not underway. |
CALIFORNIA
California state laws require children under 13 years old on board any moving recreational vessel wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD all the time. Unless the child is in an enclosed area or cabin, in a vessel engaged in emergency rescue, or if they are in a harness tethered to a sailboat.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway must wear a PFD. | All vessel lengths, including canoes and kayaks. Boats at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | If the child is in an enclosed cabin, in a harness tethered to a sailboat, or in a vessel engaged in an emergency rescue situation. |
COLORADO
In Colorado, all children 12 years old or younger aboard any moving recreational vessel must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD, except when they are in an enclosed area or below deck. All boats operated on waterways must carry one wearable, Coast Guard-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| All boats must carry at least one Type I (Off-shore Life Jacket), Type II (Near-Shore Vests), Type III (Flotation Aids) for each person on board. Inflatable PFDs are allowed for persons 16 years or older. | 12 years old or younger. | All persons on a PWC must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II, or III PFD. | All vessel lengths, including canoes and kayaks. Boats at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck. |
CONNECTICUT
Connecticut state laws require children 12 years old or younger aboard any moving recreational vessel must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD, except when they are in an enclosed area or below deck. All boats operated on waterways must carry one wearable, Coast Guard-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | 12 years old or younger. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck. |
DELAWARE
In Delaware, passengers below 12 years old must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD, except when they are in an enclosed area or below deck. All life jackets must be in good condition and in a size that fits the intended wearer. Life jackets should be readily available and cannot be stowed or locked inside compartments or plastic bags.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| All boats must carry at least one Type I (Off-shore Life Jacket), Type II (Near-Shore Vests), Type III (Flotation Aids), or Type V (Special-Use Devices) for each person on board. | 12 years old or younger. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck, or when the vessel is anchored or moored. Ski belts are not approved PFDs. |
FLORIDA
Florida boating rules require children age 6 and under to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD when on board any vessel measuring less than 26 feet in length and is underway. Life jackets should be readily available and cannot be stowed or locked inside compartments.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Type I, II, or III and must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | 6 years and under. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | Less than 26 feet long. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | None. |
GEORGIA
In Georgia, children below 13 years old must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while in any moving vessel, except when inside a fully enclosed cabin.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | 13 years old and under | Not Specified. | All vessel lengths. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin. |
HAWAII
In Hawaii, all vessels must have at least one USCG-approved life jacket for each passenger on board. Children under 13 years old must wear a life jacket while the vessel is underway. Except when they’re in an enclosed cabin or below deck, or if the vessel is anchored.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck, or when the vessel is anchored or moored. |
IDAHO
Idaho local laws requires all recreational vessels to have at least one USCG-approved Type I, II, or III PFD for each person on board or being towed. Children under 15 years must wear a life jacket or PFD at all times while the vessel is underway.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Type I, II, or III and must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | 14 years and under. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | Less than 20 feet. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | Seaplanes, sailboards, and certain racing vessels. Fly-fishing float tubes one lakes with less than 200 surface acres. |
ILLINOIS
Illinois local laws require all recreational vessels have at least one USCG-approved PFD for each person on board or being towed. Children under 13 years must wear a life jacket or PFD at all times while the vessel is underway, except when below deck in an enclosed cabin or of the vessel is on private property.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | Less than 20 feet. Vessels at least 16 feet in length, except canoes and kayaks, must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck, or when the vessel is operating on private property. |
INDIANA
In the state of Indiana, children under 13 years old must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while on a moving vessel on waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction. Except when the child is in an enclosed cabin below deck or the vessel is docked or moored. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Type I, II, III or V and must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck, or when the vessel is anchored or moored. |
IOWA
Iowa state laws requires wearing of a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for children under 13 years of age on any moving water craft, except when the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Type I, II, III or V and must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. Inflatable PFDs are allowed for persons 16 years or older. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length, except kayaks and canoes, must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck. Windsurfers not required. |
KANSAS
In the state of Kansas, the laws require children under age 12 to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Type I, II, or III and must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. Inflatable PFDs are allowed for persons 16 years or older. | 12 years old and under. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length, except kayaks and canoes, must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | Sailboarders not required. |
KENTUCKY
In Kentucky, children under 13 years old are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket when on an open deck of any moving water craft. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, or III USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Type I, II, or III and must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | None. |
LOUISIANA
Louisiana state laws require children under 17 years old to wear a USCG-approved life jacket when on any moving water craft less than 26 feet in length. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Type I, II, III or V and must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | 16 years old and under. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | Less than 26 feet long. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | None. |
MAINE
Maine state laws require children 10 years or younger to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times on any vessel. All boat operators are required to carry at least one Type I, II, or III USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed on their vessel.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Type I, II, or III and must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | 10 years old and under. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. | None. |
MARYLAND
In Maryland, children under 13 years old must wear a USCG-approved life jacket of PFD while underway on any vessel. Except when the child is in an enclosed cabin below deck or when the vessel is docked or moored. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Type I, II, III or V and must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | Less than 21 feet long. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck, or when the vessel is anchored or moored. |
MASSACHUSETTS
In Massachusetts, children younger than 12 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while the vessel is underway, unless the child is below deck. All boat operators are required to carry at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed their vessel.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Type I, II, III, or V and must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 12 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. | When the child is below deck. |
MICHIGAN
Michigan laws require children under 6 years old to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while the vessel is underway and when on open deck. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, or III USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Type I, II, or III and must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 6 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is below deck. |
MINNESOTA
Minnesota state laws require children under 10 years old to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while the vessel is underway. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, or III USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 10 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck. |
MISSISSIPPI
In Mississippi, children 12 years of age or under must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while the vessel is underway. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, or III USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Type I, II, or III and must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | None. |
MISSOURI
Missouri boating laws require children under 7 years of age to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while aboard any watercraft. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Type I, II, III, or V and must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 7 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin area of a houseboat or day cruiser. |
MONTANA
Montana boating laws require children under 12 years of age to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while aboard any moving watercraft with less than 26 feet in length. Sailboard operators younger than 15 years are also required to wear PFD all the time.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Children under 12 years old and sailboarders under 15 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | Less than 26 feet long. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | None. |
NEBRASKA
In Nebraska, children 13 years or younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while aboard any watercraft. All vessels must carry at least one Type I, II, or III USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Type I, II, or III and must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | 13 years old and under. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. | When aboard an anchored boat hunting for waterfowl. |
NEVADA
In Nevada, children under 13 years must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while aboard any moving watercraft. All vessels, except sailboards, must carry at least one USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels 16 to 40 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. Two are required for vessels longer than 40 feet. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck. |
NEW HAMPSHIRE
In New Hampshire, children under 13 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while aboard any moving watercraft, unless the vessel is enclosed by 3 feet high railings. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | 12 years old and under. | – | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the vessel is enclosed with railings 3 feet height throughout the perimeter. |
NEW JERSEY
In New Jersey, children 13 years of age or under must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while aboard any moving watercraft, unless they are in an enclosed cabin. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | 13 years old and under. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length, except kayaks and canoes, must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When in an enclosed, non-removable cabin. |
NEW MEXICO
New Mexico state laws require children 12 years of age or under to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while aboard any moving watercraft, unless they are in an enclosed cabin or below deck. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | 12 years old and under. | – | All vessels, except kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rubber rafts, and PWCs, must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck. |
NEW YORK
New York state laws require all children under 12 years of age to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD at all times while aboard any watercraft less than 65 feet long unless they are in an enclosed cabin or below deck. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 12 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | Less than 65 feet long. Vessels at least 16 feet in length, except kayaks, rowboats, and canoes, must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin. |
NORTH CAROLINA
In North Carolina, state laws require children under 13 years old to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while on board any moving vessel, except when the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, or III USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck. |
NORTH DAKOTA
In North Carolina, state laws require children 10 years old or younger to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while on board any moving vessel (including unpowered watercrafts) less than 27 feet long. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, or III USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | 10 years old and under. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | Less than 27 feet long. Vessels at least 16 feet in length, except unpowered vessels, must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | None. |
OHIO
Ohio boating laws require children 10 years old or younger to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while on board any vessel less than 18 feet long. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, or III USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | 10 years old and under. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | Less than 18 feet long. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | None. |
OKLAHOMA
In the state of Oklahoma boating laws require children under 13 years old to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while on board any moving vessel less than 26 feet long. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC, sailboard, or being towed while the vessel is underway. | Less than 26 feet long. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | None. |
OREGON
In Oregon, state laws require children 12 years old or younger to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while on the open deck of any moving watercraft or while the vessel is being towed. All vessels must carry at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board or being towed.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. Inflatable PFDs are not approved. | 12 years old and under. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. Inflatable PFDs are not allowed. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | None. |
PENNSYLVANIA
In Pennsylvania, boating laws require children 12 years old or younger to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while on board any moving watercraft less than 21 feet in length. All vessels must have at least one USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | 12 years old and under. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | Less than 21 feet long. When on Pittsburgh District US Army Corps of Engineers lakes, vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | None. |
RHODE ISLAND
Rhode Island state laws require children under 13 years of age to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while on board any moving vessel less than 65 feet long. All vessels must have at least one USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | Less than 65 feet long. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck. |
SOUTH CAROLINA
In South Carolina, all children under 12 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while on board any watercraft less than 16 feet in length. All vessels must carry at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 12 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | Less than 16 feet long. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | None. |
SOUTH DAKOTA
In South Dakota, all children under 7 years old must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while on board any watercraft operating at “slow, no-wake speed”, except when the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin. All vessels must carry at least one USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 7 years old. | – | All vessel lengths. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck. |
TENNESSEE
In Tennessee, all children under 13 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while on the open deck of any watercraft when it is underway. All vessels must carry at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | 12 years old and under. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in lengths must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the vessel is anchored, moored, or aground. |
TEXAS
In Tennessee, state law requires all children under 13 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while on board a vessel less than 26 feet long is underway. All vessels must carry at least one Type I, II, III or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | Less than 26 feet long. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the vessel is anchored, moored, or aground. |
UTAH
Utah state laws require children 12 years old or under to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while on board any vessel. All vessels must carry at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | 12 years old and under. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. Inflatable PFDs are not allowed. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the vessel is at least 19 feet long and the child is in an enclosed cabin. |
VERMONT
In Vermont, state laws require all children under 12 years of age on board a moving vessel, and persons on sailboards under 16 years old to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD. All vessels must carry at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 12 years old. When on a sailboard, persons must be under 16 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in lengths must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | None. |
VIRGINIA
In Virginia, all children under 13 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while aboard an underway vessel. Each vessel must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck. |
WASHINGTON
Washington state laws require children under 13 years to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while aboard a vessel less than 19 feet long and that’s underway. All vessels must carry at least one USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | Less than 19 feet. Vessels at least 16 feet in length, except kayaks and canoes, must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin. |
WEST VIRGINIA
In West Virginia, all children under 13 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while aboard an underway vessel. Each vessel must have at least one Type I, II, or III USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | None. |
WISCONSIN
In Wisconsin, all children under 13 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while aboard an underway vessel. All vessels must carry at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length, except kayaks and canoes, must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | Sailboarders and windsurfers are not required, but are encouraged to wear PFD. |
WYOMING
Wyoming state laws require children under 13 years to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD while aboard an underway vessel, except when the child is riding in an enclosed cabin. All vessels must carry at least one USCG-approved life jacket or PFD for every passenger on board.
| PFD Type | Minimum Age | PWC Laws | Vessel Length | Exceptions |
| Must be approved by the USCG and should be in good, serviceable condition. | Under 13 years old. | All persons on a PWC or being towed while the vessel is underway. | All vessel lengths. Vessels at least 16 feet in length must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and readily accessible. | When the child is in an enclosed cabin. |
