File Name: US PFD JSI NASBLA This Data Was Originally Compiled

File name: US_PFD_JSI_NASBLA

This data was originally compiled by Dr. Dan Maxim for the Dashboard project as published as a draft report in April 22, 2016. This data was compiled for dashboard use and continues to be updated and corrected by state review. A copy of Dr. Maxim's report is posted with this notation:

Notes page update February 28, 2019.

Some thoughts on organizing Dashboard Entries: Life Jackets

Policy Group 22 April 2016 L. Daniel Maxim

Some thoughts on organizing dashboard entries L. Daniel Maxim 22 April 2016

Introduction This short working paper is written to suggest ways that relevant policy data could be organized in a dashboard. To illustrate these ideas, I chose lifejacket wear policies among the various states and the District of Columbia (hereinafter referred to as “states”). All states have policies in place to encourage wearing, as opposed to merely carrying, life jackets (personal floatation devices [PFD]) on board. And all states have PFD carriage requirements. Policy differences are most apparent in the specific laws and regulations applicable to life jacket wear. For this reason, I prepared detailed tables (Table A-1 [short form] and Table A-2) found in the appendix to summarize the applicable state-by-state regulations.1 The bases for the table entries include published laws/regulations, summaries of these laws in published boater handbooks, and additional information available on the Internet.2 Important disclaimer: the contents of these tables have been developed from Internet research and published documents only and not based on direct contact with state personnel. These must be fact-checked before being incorporated into the dashboard. Any question mark in either table means that the entry is questionable.

The various headings in the tables correspond to key attributes of state life jacket policy. These include:  Life jacket wear requirements for various types of craft: In nearly all states Coast Guard-approved life jackets are required to be worn by all occupants of a personal watercraft (PWC), but some states also require that life jackets be worn when operating other craft.  Life jacket wear requirements for youth: Nearly all states have issued regulations requiring that youths of specified ages (e.g., aged 12 and younger) wear Coast Guard- approved life jackets when underway on recreational boats.3 The specific age and other provisions of this requirement vary by state.  Seasonal life jacket wear requirements: Operation of recreational craft is likely to be more hazardous during the winter and early spring months (among other reasons because the water is colder and fewer boats are out on the water, which lessens the chance for rescue by Good Samaritans). This realization prompted several states to require that life jackets be worn at specified time periods for specified types of boats.

1 Table A-1 is a shortened form of Table A-2. 2 For example, the excellent BoatUS Compendium of Life Jacket Laws, available at http://www.boatus.org/lifejacket-loaner/staterequirements.asp. 3 On a vessel that is underway, the Coast Guard established a regulation that children under 13 years of age must wear an appropriate U .S .Coast Guard-approved life jacket when on Federal waters unless they are 1) below deck, or 2) within an enclosed cabin. If a state has established a child life jacket wear requirement that differs from the Coast Guard requirement, the state requirement will be applicable on waters subject to that state’s jurisdiction. Two states, Virginia and Wisconsin, have not established similar requirements and the Federal regulation applies in Federal waters in these states.

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 Life jacket wear requirements for persons being towed: Most states require that Coast Guard-approved life jackets or other flotation device be worn by persons being towed (e.g., water skiers), but there are individual differences in regulations.  Unique life jacket wear requirements: Several states have established unique life jacket wear requirements. For example, Alabama requires that each person wear a life jacket when onboard a boat within 800 feet below a hydro-electric dam and/or navigational lock and dam.  Sources: The final entry in Tables A-1 and A-2 are sources available on the Internet that can be consulted for additional detail. It is important that these sources be listed and kept up to date to track any changes in the data. This working paper illustrates ways that dashboard entries might be organized and depicted.

Statements, lists, and tables Some data elements are most easily explained by simple statements and/or lists provided that these are not excessively lengthy or complex. For example, as noted above nearly all states require that CG-approved PFDs be worn on personal watercraft (PWC) although some other craft are also subject to this requirement. This is most easily explained by a single sentence (refer to tables in Appendix):

“All entities except Alaska and the District of Columbia require that all occupants of PWC wear CG-approved PFDs when underway. Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Vermont also have a similar requirement for persons aboard sailboards. Louisiana requires that PFDs are worn by anyone on a motorboat less than 16 feet, which is being propelled by a hand tiller.”

As a second example, the number of unique areas where life jackets must be worn is relatively small, so this might be put in a short paragraph or table as follows:

Several states have designated areas (based on possible hazards/risks of operation) where life jackets must be worn by all occupants (regardless of age) aboard a boat. Examples include those shown in Table 1. This table provides the interested reader with examples of areas where other states have deemed it prudent to mandate life jacket wear.

TABLE 1. Illustration of life jacket required areas in selected states.

State/entity Designated area where life jacket wear mandatory Alabama All persons aboard a boat within 800 feet below a hydro-electric dam and/or navigational lock and dam. District of All persons aboard any vessel in the area from the southernmost point of the cove Columbia commonly known as Fletcher’s Cove in the Georgetown Channel of the Potomac River upstream to the District of Columbia boundary line at Little Falls. Kentucky All persons aboard a boat below locks and dams on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers waterways and the Kentucky River, boat occupants must wear a personal floatation device (lifejacket) upstream of danger signs and open- diamond buoys or within 150 feet of the downstream lock and dam wall. Oregon Life jackets are required to be worn in Class III or higher whitewater rapids.

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TABLE 1. (cont’d.) Illustration of life jacket required areas in selected states.

State/entity Designated area where life jacket wear mandatory Pennsylvania On Pittsburgh District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes (only), everyone in boats under 16 feet and in all canoes and kayaks. Tennessee A CG-approved personal flotation device must be worn by each person on board vessels being operated within specifically marked areas below any dam. Utah On rivers, every person on board a vessel shall wear a CG-approved PFD, except PFDs may be loosened or removed by persons 13 years of age or older on designated flat water areas as listed in Section R651-215-10.

These examples might serve as precedents for officials in other states. For example, many states (other than those shown here) have waters with locks and dams or whitewater rafting areas and similar regulations might be prudent.

Graphs Graphs are another useful way to summarize information/data on a dashboard. Two examples are provided below.

-Child life jacket wear requirements All but two states (Virginia and Wisconsin) have established life jacket wear requirements for children of various ages. (In waters subject to Federal jurisdiction, the CG rules apply unless the state has established a specific regulation). For example, Delaware requires that all children age 12 and under must wear a CG-approved PFD except when the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin or when the vessel is at anchor or moored. Other states have established different age thresholds, as shown in Figure 1.

As can be seen, most (approximately 2/3rds) states have chosen to adopt the Coast Guard rule (all children age 12 or younger), but other states have limited this requirement to children as young as 5 years of age (Florida and Michigan) or as old as 16 years of age (Louisiana). Youth wear requirements also have additional provisions4 (e.g., applicable to vessels of a certain size) that are also relevant (see Tables A-1 and A-2).

4 Some of these provisions are quite detailed. The Maryland policy reads: “Children under the age of 13 must wear a CG-approved PFD (life jacket - Type I, II, III or V) while underway on a recreational vessel under 21 feet in length. Does not apply when the boat is moored, anchored, below deck or in an enclosed cabin. Also, a child under the age of 4 must wear a life jacket that features additional safety precautions, as appropriate for an infant, toddler, or young child, so as to; Hold the child securely within the life jacket, including a strap that is secured between the child’s legs to fasten together the front and back of the life jacket; maintain the buoyancy of the child, including an inflatable headrest or high collar; and ensure the ready accessibility of the child from the water, including a web handle.”

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Number of states of Number 10

0 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Maxim um P FD-r equir ed age

FIG. 1. Distribution of maximum ages for mandatory life jacket wear.

-National life jacket wear rates Another graph of interest in a dashboard would be the national measured wear rates for life jackets. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. produces a report for the Coast Guard (2015 report available at https://www.uscgboating.org/library/national-live-jacket-wear- study/2014%20CORE%20Report.pdf) that contains national life jacket wear rates for adults and children of various ages. Figure 2 shows these rates for adults and children (aged 17 and younger) over time. The JSI reports also provide observed life jacket wear rates for various types of boat (e.g., open cabin motorboat, canoe, and kayak) and by boat length, which should be included. The JSI study also provides data on wear rates by age and gender of boater.

As can be seen, wear rates for children have climbed substantially in the years since 2000 (due in large part to mandatory wear requirements), but wear rates for adults have not increased appreciably. Because increased life jacket wear rates have been shown to result in decreased drownings, this graph provides important information.

Dashboard users are likely to be interested in how life jacket wear rates measured in their states correspond to national norms. JSI has worked with individual states on special purpose surveys and these data might also be useful to enable state officials to compare wear rates in their states with national norms.

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FIG. 2. National life jacket wear rates for adults and children (17 or younger).

Maps Maps can be used to advantage to summarize geographical data. For example, there are six states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia5) that have seasonal life jacket wear rate regulations, all located in the Eastern half of the country. All these seasonal requirements are applicable during the winter months (when boaters are most likely at risk), but differ in terms of their exact timing, the specific areas covered by the regulations, and types of vessels included. For example, the regulation for Maine reads:

“Anyone canoeing or kayaking on the Saco River between Hiram Dam and the Atlantic Ocean between January 1 and June 1 must wear a Type I, II, or III PFD.”

This map shows the states with seasonal wear requirements.

Additional detail on the specific requirements can be found in Tables A-1 and A-2.

5 This serves as an interesting example of the benefits of putting this table together. I was unfamiliar with the WV requirement.

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It is possible that more states will adopt ME seasonal life jacket wear requirements in VT the coming years. If so side-by-side MN NH MA comparisons of the maps in each year WI NY CT would be of interest. MI RI PA IA NJ This short working paper illustrates IL IN OH DE several ways of summarizing data as MD WV short statements, and inclusion in tables, VA MO KY graphs, and maps. The large tables at the NC end provide active links to access TN additional documents. AR SC

MS AL GA It might also be useful to include web links to some of the key articles and LA reports that relate to the effectiveness of life jackets, additional studies on wear FL rates, studies on boater attitudes towards line jackets, and miscellaneous publications, such as the National Safe Boating Council’s Saved by the Jacket, the BoatUS Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Program and locations (http://www.boatus.org/lifejacket-loaner/ and http://www.boatus.org/life-jacket-loaner/usamap.asp), and Sea Tow loaner locations (https://www.seatow.com/service-locator/lifejackets). Maps would be useful to display the location of loaner stations in each state. The map below shows the locations of life jacket loaner programs in Idaho

Life Jacket Loaner Stations in Idaho (http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd478370.pdf). Not all states have

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such maps readily available, but this might be a worthwhile addition and active links to these maps could be placed in the detailed tables (A-1 or A-2).

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TABLE A-1. Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (short form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source AL PWC Children 7 and None Any person being towed on water Each person onboard http://www.eregulations.com/alabama/alabama2011/b under. skis, surfboard, spinners, or other a boat within 800 feet oating-safety-regulations/. similar devices shall wear a CG- below a hydro- http://www.outdooralabama.com/boating-rules-and- approved Type I, II, III, or V electric dam and/or regulations. PFD. navigational lock and dam. AK None Children 12 and None Children 12 and under must wear None http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/boating/as0525watercraft.p under. a CG-approved Type I, II, III, or df. V PFD. AZ PWC Children 12 or None Any person being towed behind a None http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ArizonaRevisedStatutes.a under. watercraft shall wear a buoyant sp?Title=5. belt or personal flotation device while being towed except for a performer engaged in a professional exhibition. AR PWC Children 12 and None Any person being towed behind a None https://www.boat- under. motorized vessel on water skis, ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/ar_handbook_entire.pdf. and aquaplane, or other device must wear a CG-approved PFD. CA PWC Children 12 and None Any person being towed must There are some http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Pubs/Abc/ABCFull.pdf. under on boats 26 wear a CG-approved Type I, II, applicable county http://www.regionalparks.saccounty.net/Documents/L feet or less in III or V life jacket except restrictions--e.g., ifePreserver%20FAQ.pdf. length. The law performers engaged in Sacramento County does not apply to: professional exhibitions, official notes it is unlawful (1) the operator of regattas, marine parades or for parents or a sailboat on which tournaments. Any person guardians to allow a every child under engaged in slalom skiing on a child under the age of age 13 is restrained marked course or in barefoot, thirteen (13) to access by a harness jump or trick water skiing, may any public water tethered to the instead wear a wetsuit designed within the county sailboat; or (2) the for the activity and labeled by the unless the child is operator of a vessel manufacturer as a water ski wearing an approved on which every wetsuit. life preserver. child under age 13 is in an enclosed cabin.

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TABLE A-1 (cont.d). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (short form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source CO PWC Children 12 and None The operator shall require each None https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Boating/BoatingRe under. person who is surfing or being gulations.pdf. towed on water skis, aquaplane, inner tube or similar device, to wear a properly fitting wearable personal flotation device. A CG- approved wearable personal flotation device is recommended, but a ski belt (preferably with at least 2 straps and buckles), water sports jacket or foam wetsuit jacket will be accepted if there is an extra wearable personal flotation device aboard for each person as required above. CT PWC Children 12 and CG-approved All must wear a CG-approved None http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/boating/boating_guid under. PFDs must be PFD except for those skiers who e/boaterguide.pdf. worn by anyone are engaged in barefoot in a manually waterskiing and are wearing a propelled vessel specifically designed “barefoot from October 1 wetsuit” and those skiers who are through May 31 engaged in trick waterskiing and (must be a Type are wearing standard double trick I, II, III, V or skis at least eight inches wide and V-hybrid). not over 46 inches long, and being towed at not more than 20 mph using a tow rope longer than 50 feet long.

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TABLE A-1 (cont.d). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (short form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source DE PWC Children 12 and None No person shall engage in water None http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/SiteCollectionDoc under. skiing unless such person is uments/FW%20Gallery/boatregs.pdf. wearing a CG-approved Type I, http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Boating/Pages/Bo Type II, Type III, or Type V PFD. atingFAQs.aspx. This provision shall not apply to a performer engaged in a professional exhibition or a person preparing to participate or participating in an official regatta, boat race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition. DC See right. Children 12 and None Not required but recommended. All persons aboard http://mpdc.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/mpdc/pu under. When the any vessel in the area blication/attachments/harbor_regulations_0.pdf. operator of a from the https://www.boat- boat16 ft. or more southernmost point of ed.com/districtofcolumbia/studyGuide/Towing-a- in length is under the cove commonly Person-With-a-Vessel-Legally/101008_700072566/. 18 years of age, the known as Fletcher’s operator and all Cove in the other persons Georgetown Channel aboard the vessel of the Potomac River who are under 18 upstream to the years of age shall District of Columbia wear a CG- boundary line at approved personal Little Falls shall wear floatation device of a CG-approved the proper size. personal floatation device at all times. FL PWC Children 5 and None Any person being towed must None http://myfwc.com/boating/regulations/#nogo. under on vessels wear a CG-approved non- less than 26 ft. inflatable Type I, II, III or V PFD. GA PWC Children 12 and None Any person being towed must None http://www.georgiawildlife.org/node/757. under. wear a ski belt; ski jacket; or CG- approved Type I, II, or III PFD that is properly fitted and fastened.

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TABLE A-1 (cont.d). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (short form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source HI PWC Children 12 and None Any person being towed must None https://www.boat-ed.com/hawaii/studyGuide/Specific- under. wear a CG-approved Type I, II, PFD-Requirements/101012_700064404/. III or V PFD. http://www.uspshawaii.org/Misc/HBLB_student01081 4c.pdf. ID PWC Children age 14 None Any person being towed behind a None http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/boating. and under. vessel must wear a CG-approved https://www.boat- Type I, II, III or V PFD. Ski belts ed.com/abc/abc_specific_images/pdfs/id_law.pdf. do not meet this requirement. IL PWC Children 12 and None Not required? None https://www.boat- under aboard any ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/il_handbook_entire.pdf. watercraft under 26 feet in length. IN PWC Children 12 and None Any person being towed on water None https://www.usps.org/e_stuff/documents/in_boating_sa under. skis, a surfboard, a kite or similar fety_requirements.pdf. device must wear a CG-approved Type I, II, or III PFD (Type V PFDs are not approved). IA PWC Children 12 and None Any person being towed must None www.iowadnr.gov/.../boating/ia_hb....Io. under. wear a CG-approved Type I, II, III or V PFD. KS PWC Children 12 years None Recommended but not required. None http://ksoutdoors.com/Boating/Boating- old and under. Legally/Requirements/Equipment/Life-Jackets-PFDs.

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TABLE A-1 (cont.d). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (short form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source KY PWC Children 11 years None Any person being towed on any Below locks and http://fw.ky.gov/fishboatguide/Pages/Boating.aspx#1. and under. device must wear a CG-approved dams on U.S. Army Type I, II or III PFD. Corps of Engineers waterways and the Kentucky River, boat occupants must wear a personal floatation device (lifejacket) upstream of danger signs and open- diamond buoys or within 150 feet of the downstream lock and dam wall. LA PWC Children 16 and None Any person engaged in water All persons onboard a http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating/required- under while sports, which include water motorboat less than equipment-regulations. underway on a skiing, being towed on a tube, 16 feet, which is vessel less than 26 wake boarding, wake surfing, etc. being propelled by a feet long. must wear a CG-approved Type I, hand tiller outboard II, III, or V PFD. are required to wear a Type I, II, III, or V PFD. ME PWC Children 10 and Anyone Any person being towed on None http://www.mainerec.com/boating4.asp?Category=72 under. canoeing or water-skis, surfboards or similar &PageNum=72. kayaking on the devices must wear a life jacket, Saco River life belt or similar lifesaving between Hiram device. Dam and the Atlantic Ocean between January 1 and June 1 must wear a Type I, ll, lll PFD.

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TABLE A-1 (cont.d). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (short form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source MD PWC Children 12 and None Water skiers must wear a CG- None http://dnr2.maryland.gov/boating/Pages/safetylifejack under while approved personal flotation et.aspx. underway on a device. http://dnr2.maryland.gov/boating/Documents/recreati recreational vessel onvessels.pdf. under 21 feet in length. MA PWC Children 11 and All canoeists Any person being towed in any None http://www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech- under. kayakers from way on or through the water must assistance/enforcement/environmental-police/boat- September 15 - wear a CG-approved PFD. and-recreation-vehicle-safety-bureau/massachusetts- May 15 are boating-law-summary.html. required to wear https://www.usps.org/e_stuff/documents/massachusett a CG- approved s-boating-law.pdf. personal https://www.boat- flotation device ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/ma_handbook_entire.pdf of Type I, II, or . III. MI PWC Children 5 and None Any person operating, riding on None https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153- under. or being towed behind a personal 10365_10884_11578-37313--,00.html. watercraft (jet ski) must wear a CG-approved Type I, Type II or Type III PFD (that is not an inflatable device). Each person less than 12 years of age riding or being towed, behind a personal watercraft (jet ski) must wear a Type I or Type II PFD. MN PWC Children 9 and Any person being towed on water None http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/boatwater/inde under. skis or other device, or carried in x.html. the towing watercraft must wear a http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/boatwater/b CG-approved PFD. oatingguide.pdf.

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TABLE A-1 (cont.d). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (short form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source MS PWC Children 12 and None Any person riding in or being None https://www.boat- under whenever towed behind a PWC must wear a ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/ms_handbook_entire.pdf. underway in a CG-approved Type I, II, or III vessel less than 26 PFD. It is strongly recommended ft. length. (but not required) that persons being towed wear a CG-approved PFD. MO PWC Children 6 and None Any person being towed on skis, None http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/Water under. a tube, wake board or the like. Patrol/BoatingLaws_Education/boatingLifeJacket.htm l. http://www.lakebrowser.com/missouri/mo_boating_sa fety_equipment.asp. http://www.tablerocklakelodging.com/MO_handbook _entire.pdf. MT PWC Children 11 and None Any person towed by a boat must Sailboard operators http://fwp.mt.gov/recreation/regulations/boating/boat under on a boat wear a CG-approved PFD. (wind-surfers) under Equipment.html. less than 26 feet in 15 years of age must http://fwp.mt.gov/recreation/regulations/boating/defau length that is in wear a CG-approved lt.html. motion. PFD at all times. If two or more persons are occupying a sailboard, each person must wear a life jacket. NE PWC Children 12 and None Any person towed by a boat must https://www.boat- under. wear a life preserver or buoyant ed.com/abc/abc_specific_images/pdfs/ne_law.pdf. vest, except during state- authorized regattas and similar ski and water shows. NV PWC Children 12 and Any person engaged in water None https://www.boat- under. skiing (or anyone towed through ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/nv_handbook_entire.pdf. or on the water behind a boat) http://www.usps.org/e_stuff/documents/nv_specific_l must wear a CG-approved Type I, aws_2010.pdf. II, III or V PFD.

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TABLE A-1 (cont.d). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (short form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source NH “Ski Children 12 and None Any person being towed behind a None https://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/nhsp/fob/marine- craft” under. vessel must wear a CG-approved patrol/boating-education/faq.html#life-jacket. PFD. https://www.boat- ed.com/newhampshire/studyGuide/Specific-PFD- Requirements/10103101_700056536/. NJ PWC Children 12 and None Any skier shall wear a United Each person must http://www.njsp.org/marine-services/equipment- under. States Coast Guard Approved have on a wearable checklist.shtml. Type I, II, III or Type V Hybrid CG-approved PFD http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/info/pdf/marine/021606- Personal Flotation Device. when boating in boating-safety-manual.pdf. Round Valley http://www.njparksandforests.org/parks/round.html. Reservoir. Life http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/rules/njac7_2.pdf. jackets or life belt shall be worn when Ice boating or ice yachting on Lake Hopatcong, Lake Musconetcong, Swartswood Lake, Spruce Run Reservoir and Greenwood Lake.

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TABLE A-1 (cont.d). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (short form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source NM PWC and Children 12 and Skiers and those being pulled on a Persons engaged in http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/BOATINGWeb/b others under. floating object shall wear a CG- boating on a river or oatingmainpage.html approved type I, II or III personal in boat races or http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/fishing/fishing- flotation device while being persons using ice regulations/boating/. pulled by a vessel. sailboats, personal http://164.64.110.239/nmac/parts/title18/18.017.0002. watercraft, kayaks, htm. canoes, paddleboards and rubber rafts on any waters of this state shall wear a CG-approved wearable personal flotation device. Persons using wind sail boards, inner tubes, air mattresses, float tubes or other inflatable devices not covered in Paragraph (4) of Subsection A of 18.17.2.9 NMAC on waters of this state shall wear a flotation assist device or a personal flotation device.

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TABLE A-1 (cont.d). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (short form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source NY PWC Children 11 and No owner or Any person towed behind a vessel None http://nysparks.com/recreation/boating/safe- under on boats 65 operator of a must wear a securely fastened boating/life-jackets.aspx. ft or less in length. pleasure vessel CG-approved PFD. This includes http://nysparks.com/recreation/boating/documents/PF less than 21 being towed on water skis, tubes, DLawsofNewYork.pdf. feet, including sails or similar devices. It does rowboats, not include people to whom canoes, and assistance is being given. kayaks shall permit its operation, between November 1 and May 1, unless each person on board such vessel is wearing a securely fastened CG- approved wearable personal flotation device of an appropriate size when such vessel is underway.

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TABLE A-1 (cont.d). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (short form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source NC PWC Children 12 and None Water skiing prohibited at any None http://www.ncwildlife.org/Boating/LawsSafety/Childr under. time unless (a) the vessel is enMustWearPFDs.aspx. equipped with a rear vision http://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Boating/documen mirror, or (b) there is an observer ts/VOG.pdf. in the vessel in addition to the operator, or (c) the person being towed wears a life preserver. These prohibitions do not apply to professional skiing exhibitions or authorized regattas. ND PWC Children 10 or None No person shall manipulate any None http://gf.nd.gov/boating/boating-safety-guide. under on any vessel water skis, surfboard or similar http://gf.nd.gov/gnf/regulations/docs/boat-and- less than 27 feet in device without wearing a Type I, water.pdf. length. II or III PFD (persons 16 years of age or older engaged in windsurfing or boardsailing are exempt). OH PWC Children 9 and None No person shall ride or attempt to None http://watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/requiredequipment. under on vessels ride upon water skis, surfboards, http://watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/operatorsguide. less than 18 feet. inflatable devices or similar devices being towed by a vessel without wearing a CG-approved Type I, II, III PFD or a Type V PFD specifically designed for water skiing. No person shall engage in barefoot skiing without wearing an adequate and effective CG-approved Type I, II, III PFD or a Type V PFD specifically designed for water skiing. OK PWC or Children 12 and None Any person being towed on water None https://www.dps.state.ok.us/lp/lps.htm. sailboard under on boats less skis or similar devices must wear https://www.boat- than 26 feet in a CG-approved PFD. Ski belts ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/ok_handbook_entire.pdf. length. are not approved PFDs.

Page A-11 of A-42

TABLE A-1 (cont.d). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (short form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source OR PWC Children age 12 None Applicable to children 12 years Life jackets are http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/boater- and under. old and under, who are required required to be worn info/Pages/Required-Equipment.aspx. to wear a CG-approved Type I, II, in Class III or higher http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/pages/rules/oars_200/oar or III PFD. whitewater rapids. _250/250_010.html. https://www.boat- ed.com/abc/abc_specific_images/pdfs/or_law.pdf. PA PWC and Children 12 and Boaters are All water skiers and anyone On Pittsburgh http://fishandboat.com/fishpub/summary/pfd.htm. sail- under must wear a required to wear towed behind boats must wear a District U.S. Army http://fishandboat.com/bookboat.htm. boards CG-approved PFD CG-approved CG-approved PFD. Corps of Engineers on Common- PFDs on boats lakes (only), wealth waters less than 16 feet everyone in boats when underway in in length or any under 16 feet and in any boat 20 feet or canoe or kayak all canoes and less in length and during the cold kayaks. in all canoes and weather months kayaks. from November 1 through April 30. RI PWC Children 12 and None Any person being towed behind a None https://www.boat- under while vessel on water skis, a surfboard, ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/ri_handbook_entire.pdf. underway in a or other device must wear a CG- recreational vessel approved PFD. less than 65 ft. in length. SC PWC Children 11 and None Any person being towed must None http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/boating.html. under when on wear a CG-approved Type I, II, https://www.boat- board a class “A” III, or V PFD. ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/sc_handbook_entire.pdf. (less than 16 ft. long) boat.

Page A-12 of A-42

TABLE A-1 (cont.d). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (short form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source SD PWC Children 6 and None None None https://www.boat- under. ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/sd_handbook_entire.pdf. TN PWC Children 12 and None Any person being towed behind a A CG-approved http://www.boatcourse.com/Tennessee/02_LawsAndSa under. vessel on water skis or any other personal flotation fetyEquipment/03_Safety_Equipment- device must wear an adequate and device must be worn Life_Jackets.aspx. effective life preserver, buoyant by each person on https://www.tn.gov/assets/entities/twra/attachments/tn_ vest, or life belt. If the device board vessels being handbook_entire.pdf. worn by the skier is not CG- operated within approved, an approved PFD must specifically marked be on board the towing vessel. areas below any dam. TX PWC Children 12 and None Any person riding on or being None http://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd under on vessels towed behind a PWC must wear a _bk_l2000_0014.pdf. under 26 feet. CG-approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD. There is apparently no requirement for persons being towed by other craft to wear a PFD. UT PWC Children 12 and None Except as provided in 73-18-16, On rivers, every http://static.stateparks.utah.gov/docs/BoatingCode.pdf. under on a vessel UCA. The operator of a vessel person on board a https://www.boat- under 19 feet in which is towing a person(s) on vessel shall wear a ed.com/abc/abc_specific_images/pdfs/ut_law.pdf. length. water skis or other devices shall CG-approved PFD, require each person who is water except PFDs may be skiing or using other devices to loosened or removed wear a CG-approved PFD, except by persons 13 years an inflatable PFD may not be of age or older on used. designated flat water areas as listed in Section R651-215- 10.

Page A-13 of A-42

TABLE A-1 (cont.d). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (short form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source VT PWC Children 11 and None Any person being towed by a None https://www.boat- sail- under. All persons vessel required to wear a CG- ed.com/abc/abc_specific_images/pdfs/vt_law.pdf. board under 16 years of approved Type I, II, or III, PFD. age must wear a Ski belts are not approved PFDs. CG-approved Type I, II, or III, while aboard a sailboard. VA PWC Children 12 and None Any person being towed behind a http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/wog/equipment- under on Federal boat must wear a CG-approved regulations.asp. waters. personal flotation device if no https://www.boat- observer is on board. ed.com/virginia/studyGuide/Specific-PFD- Requirements/10104701_700061998/. WA PWC Children 12 and None at present. No person shall engage or attempt None http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.1 under on boats A law was to engage in water skiing without 60. under 19 ft. in passed in 2011 wearing a personal flotation http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=79A.60. length. requiring life device. Except as provided under 170. jacket wear in RCW 79A.60.020. The http://www.seattle.gov/police/publications/brochures/ King County, requirements of this section shall harbor_patrol_regulations_web.pdf. but this has not apply to persons engaged in expired. tournaments, competitions, or exhibitions that have been authorized or otherwise permitted by the appropriate agency having jurisdiction and authority to authorize such events.

Page A-14 of A-42

TABLE A-1 (cont.d). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (short form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source WV PWC Children 12 and A person Any person being towed (except None https://www.boat- under. aboard a vessel, persons engaged in barefoot ed.com/abc/abc_specific_images/pdfs/wv_law.pdf. raft, or tube waterskiing) must wear a CG- https://www.boatcourse.com/West%20Virginia/02_La must wear a approved Type I, II, or III PFD. wsAndSafetyEquipment/03_Safety_Equipment- CG-approved Life_Jackets.aspx. Type I, II, III, https://www.boat- or V personal ed.com/westvirginia/studyGuide/Specific-PFD- flotation device Requirements/101052_700017208/. at all times while underway on the Shenandoah River within the boundaries of West Virginia during the period beginning at 12:01 a.m. each November 15 and ending at 12 midnight each succeeding May 15. WI PWC Children 12 and None None http://dnr.wi.gov/files/pdf/pubs/le/le0301.pdf. under on Federal http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/boat/pfd.html. law waters.

Page A-15 of A-42

TABLE A-1 (cont.d). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (short form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source WY PWC Children 12 and None A CG-approved PFD is required None https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Fishing-and-Boating/Boating- under. while being pulled/towed (skiing, and-Watercraft/Required-Safety-Equipment. wakeboarding, tubing, etc.). https://www.boatcourse.com/Wyoming/02_LawsAnd SafetyEquipment/03_Safety_Equipment- Life_Jackets.aspx.

See also: http://www.uscgboating.org/regulations/state-boating-laws-details.php?id=25&title=%5B4.9%5DLife%20Jackets and http://www.uscgboating.org/regulations/state- boating-laws-details.php?id=18&title=%5B4.2%5DWater%20Skiing.

Additional comments: This compendium does not address requirements of other Federal Agencies, which may have rules applicable to waters under their jurisdiction. For example, the Bureau of Land Management has special requirements for wearing a life jacket for operations in rivers of New Mexico (http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/recreation_activities/boating_and_kayaking.html).

Page A-16 of A-42

TABLE A-2. Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source AL PWC Children under age None Any person being towed on Each person onboard a http://www.eregulations.com/alabama/alabama2011/ 8 must wear a CG- water skis, surfboard, spinners, boat within 800 feet boating-safety-regulations/. approved PFD or other similar devices shall below a hydro-electric http://www.outdooralabama.com/boating-rules-and- except when inside wear a CG-approved Type I, II, dam and/or regulations. an enclosed cabin III, or V PFD. navigational lock and or enclosed dam. sleeping space. AK None Children under age None Yes, children under age 13 None http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/boating/as0525watercraft. 13 on the deck or must wear a CG-approved Type pdf. in an open boat I, II, III, or V PFD. must wear a CG- approved Type I, II, or III, or V if approved and recommended for activity. AZ PWC Children aged 12 None Any person being towed behind None http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ArizonaRevisedStatutes. or under must wear a watercraft shall wear a asp?Title=5. CG-approved Type buoyant belt or personal I, II, or III PFD flotation device while being when underway. towed except for a performer The life jacket engaged in a professional must be fastened exhibition. according to the manufacturer's recommended use and must fit the child properly.

Page A-17 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source AR PWC Children age 12 None All persons being towed behind None https://www.boat- and under must a motorized vessel on water ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/ar_handbook_entire.pdf. wear a CG- skis, and aquaplane, or other approved life device must wear a CG- jacket, which must approved PFD. be securely fastened while on board any underway vessel. CA PWC Required for boats None All persons being towed must There are some http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Pubs/Abc/ABCFull.pdf. 26 feet or less in wear a CG-approved Type I, II, applicable county http://www.regionalparks.saccounty.net/Documents/L length unless every III or V life jacket except restrictions--e.g., ifePreserver%20FAQ.pdf. child under 13 performers engaged in Sacramento County years of age on professional exhibitions, notes it is unlawful board is wearing a official regattas, marine parades for parents or CG-approved Type or tournaments. Any person guardians to allow a I, II, III or V life engaged in slalom skiing on a child under the age of jacket. The law marked course or in barefoot, thirteen (13) to access does not apply to: jump or trick water skiing, may any public water (1) the operator of instead wear a wetsuit designed within the county a sailboat on which for the activity and labeled by unless the child is every child under the manufacturer as a water ski wearing an approved age 13 is restrained wetsuit. life preserver. by a harness tethered to the sailboat; or (2) the operator of a vessel on which every child under age 13 is in an enclosed cabin.

Page A-18 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source CO PWC Children under the None The operator shall require each None https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Boating/BoatingR age of 13 on any person who is surfing or being egulations.pdf. vessel that is towed on water skis, aquaplane, underway unless inner tube or similar device, to below deck or in an wear a properly fitting wearable enclosed cabin. personal flotation device. A CG-approved wearable personal flotation device is recommended, but a ski belt (preferably with at least 2 straps and buckles), water sports jacket or foam wetsuit jacket will be accepted if there is an extra wearable personal flotation device aboard for each person as required above. CT PWC Children under 13 CG-approved All must wear a CG-approved None http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/boating/boating_gui years old must PFDs must be PFD except for those skiers de/boaterguide.pdf. wear a CG- worn by anyone who are engaged in barefoot approved PFD on in a manually waterskiing and are wearing a any vessel that is propelled vessel specifically designed “barefoot underway unless from October 1 wetsuit” and those skiers who the child is below through May 31 are engaged in trick waterskiing deck or in an (must be a Type and are wearing standard enclosed cabin. I, II, III, V or V- double trick skis at least eight hybrid). inches wide and not over 46 inches long, and being towed at not more than 20 mph using a tow rope longer than 50 feet long.

Page A-19 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source DE PWC Children age 12 None No person shall engage in water None http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/SiteCollectionDo and under must skiing unless such person is cuments/FW%20Gallery/boatregs.pdf. wear a CG- wearing a Type I, Type II, Type http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Boating/Pages/B approved PFD III, or Type V PFD. This oatingFAQs.aspx. except when the provision shall not apply to a child is below deck performer engaged in a or in an enclosed professional exhibition or a cabin or when the person preparing to participate vessel is at anchor or participating in an official or moored. regatta, boat race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition. DC See right. Children under the None Not required but recommended. All persons aboard any http://mpdc.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/mpdc/p age of 13 must vessel in the area from ublication/attachments/harbor_regulations_0.pdf. wear a CG- the southernmost point https://www.boat- approved PFD of the cove commonly ed.com/districtofcolumbia/studyGuide/Towing-a- except if below known as Fletcher’s Person-With-a-Vessel-Legally/101008_700072566/. deck or in an Cove in the enclosed cabin. Georgetown Channel When the operator of the Potomac River of a vessel sixteen upstream to the feet (16 ft.) or more District of Columbia in length is under boundary line at Little eighteen (18) years Falls shall wear a CG- of age, the operator approved personal and all other floatation device at all persons aboard the times. vessel who are under eighteen (18) years of age shall wear a CG- approved personal floatation device of the proper size.

Page A-20 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source FL PWC Required for None Required a CG-approved non- None http://myfwc.com/boating/regulations/#nogo. children under age inflatable Type I, II, III or V 6 must wear a CG- personal flotation device approved PFD on (PFD). vessels less than 26 ft when underway. GA PWC Required for None All persons being towed must None http://www.georgiawildlife.org/node/757. children under 13 wear a ski belt; ski jacket; or years of age to CG-approved Type I, II, or III wear a CG- personal flotation device that is approved PFD properly fitted and fastened. while onboard any moving boat. This law does not apply when the child is in a fully enclosed cabin. HI PWC Children under 13 None All persons being towed must None https://www.boat- years of age must wear a CG-approved Type I, II, ed.com/hawaii/studyGuide/Specific-PFD- wear a CG- III or V PFD. Requirements/101012_700064404/. approved life http://www.uspshawaii.org/Misc/HBLB_student010 jacket at all times 814c.pdf. while underway on a vessel or when the vessel is moored or anchored in a non- designated offshore mooring area, unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

Page A-21 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source ID PWC Children age 14 None Any person being towed behind None http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/boating. and under must a vessel must wear a CG- https://www.boat- wear an approved approved Type I, II, III or V ed.com/abc/abc_specific_images/pdfs/id_law.pdf. life jacket when PFD. Ski belts do not meet this they are aboard a requirement. boat 19 feet in length or less whenever the boat is underway or under power. IL PWC Children under the None Not required? None https://www.boat- age of 13 must ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/il_handbook_entire.pdf. wear a life jacket while aboard any watercraft under 26 feet in length at all times the boat is underway, unless they are below deck in an enclosed cabin or operating on private property. IN PWC Children under 13 None Anyone towed on water skis, a None https://www.usps.org/e_stuff/documents/in_boating_s years of age must surfboard, a kite or similar afety_requirements.pdf. wear a CG- device must wear a CG- approved PFD approved Type I, II, or III PFD except when the (Type V PFDs are not person is below approved). deck in an enclosed cabin or the watercraft is docked or at anchor.

Page A-22 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source IA PWC Children under age None All persons being towed must None www.iowadnr.gov/.../boating/ia_hb....Io. 13 must wear a wear a Type I, II, III or V PFD. CG-approved PFD unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin. KS PWC Children 12 years None Recommended but not None http://ksoutdoors.com/Boating/Boating- old and younger required. Legally/Requirements/Equipment/Life-Jackets-PFDs. must wear a CG- approved PFD at all times when on board a boat or being towed behind the boat on skis or a tube. KY PWC Children under 12 None Persons being towed on any Below locks and http://fw.ky.gov/fishboatguide/Pages/Boating.aspx#1. years of age must device must wear a CG- dams on U.S. Army wear a CG- approved Type I, II or III PFD. Corps of Engineers approved PFD waterways and the while in the open Kentucky River, boat part of a boat that occupants must wear is under way. a personal floatation device (lifejacket) upstream of danger signs and open- diamond buoys or within 150 feet of the downstream lock and dam wall.

Page A-23 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source LA PWC Children 16 years None Persons engaged in water All persons onboard a http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating/required- of age and younger sports, which includes water motorboat less than 16 equipment-regulations. must wear a CG- skiing, being towed on a tube, feet, which is being approved PFD wake boarding, wake surfing, propelled by a hand while underway on etc. must wear a CG-approved tiller outboard are a vessel less than Type I, II, III, or V PFD. required to wear a 26 feet long. Type I, II, III, or V PFD. ME PWC Children aged 10 Anyone Any person being towed on None http://www.mainerec.com/boating4.asp?Category=7 and under must canoeing or water-skis, surfboards or 2&PageNum=72. wear a CG- kayaking on the similar devices must wear a life approved Type l, ll, Saco River jacket, life belt or similar or lll PFD while on between Hiram lifesaving device. board all Dam and the watercraft. Atlantic Ocean between January 1 and June 1 must wear a Type I, ll, lll PFD.

Page A-24 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source MD PWC Children under the None Water skiers must wear a CG- None http://dnr2.maryland.gov/boating/Pages/safetylifejac age of 13 must approved personal flotation ket.aspx. wear a CG- device. http://dnr2.maryland.gov/boating/Documents/recreati approved PFD (life onvessels.pdf. jacket - Type I, II, III or V) while underway on a recreational vessel under 21 feet in length. Does not apply when the boat is moored, anchored, below deck or in an enclosed cabin. Also, a child under the age of 4 must wear a life jacket that features additional safety precautions, as appropriate for an infant, toddler, or young child, so as to: • Hold the child securely within the life jacket, including a strap that is secured between the child’s legs to fasten together the front and back of the life jacket;

Page A-25 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source • Maintain the buoyancy of the child, including an inflatable headrest or high collar; and • Ensure the ready accessibility of the child from the water, including a web handle. MA PWC Children under 12, All canoeists Anyone being towed in any None http://www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech- must wear a CG- kayakers from way on or through the water assistance/enforcement/environmental-police/boat- approved PFD September 15 - must wear a CG-approved PFD. and-recreation-vehicle-safety-bureau/massachusetts- when underway, May 15 are boating-law-summary.html. and above deck. required to wear https://www.usps.org/e_stuff/documents/massachuse a CG- approved tts-boating-law.pdf. personal https://www.boat- flotation device ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/ma_handbook_entire.pd of Type I, II, or f. III. MI PWC Children less than None Each person operating, riding None https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153- 6 years of age must on or being towed behind a 10365_10884_11578-37313--,00.html. wear a CG- personal watercraft (jet ski) approved Type I or must wear a CG-approved Type Type II PFD when I, Type II or Type III PFD (that riding in the open is not an inflatable device). deck area of a boat. Each person less than 12 years of age riding or being towed, behind a personal watercraft (jet ski) must wear a Type I or Type II PFD.

Page A-26 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source MN PWC State law requires A CG-approved life jacket must None http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/boatwater/inde children under 10 be worn by a person being x.html. years old to wear a towed on water skis or other http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/boatwater/b CG-approved PFD device, or carried in the towing oatingguide.pdf. while a boat is watercraft. underway. There are exceptions to the wear law for: • Children who are below the top deck or in an enclosed cabin. • Children aboard passenger vessels being operated by a licensed captain. • Children on a boat that is anchored for the purpose of swimming or diving. MS PWC Children 12 years None Each person riding in or being None https://www.boat- old or younger towed behind a PWC must ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/ms_handbook_entire.pdf. must wear a CG- wear a CG-approved Type I, II, approved Type I, or III PFD. It is strongly II, or III PFD recommended (but not whenever required) that persons being underway in a towed wear a CG-approved vessel less than 26 PFD. ft. length.

Page A-27 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source MO PWC Children under the None Anyone being towed on skis, a None http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/Wate age of seven are tube, wake board or the like. rPatrol/BoatingLaws_Education/boatingLifeJacket.ht required to wear a ml. CG-approved PFD http://www.lakebrowser.com/missouri/mo_boating_s whenever they are afety_equipment.asp. on a boat unless http://www.tablerocklakelodging.com/MO_handboo they are in the k_entire.pdf. cabin area of a houseboat or cruiser. MT PWC Children under 12 None Anyone towed by a boat must Sailboard operators http://fwp.mt.gov/recreation/regulations/boating/boat years of age must wear a CG-approved PFD. (wind-surfers) under Equipment.html. wear a CG- 15 years of age must http://fwp.mt.gov/recreation/regulations/boating/defa approved PFD on a wear a CG-approved ult.html. boat less than 26 PFD at all times. If feet in length that two or more persons is in motion. are occupying a sailboard, each person must wear a life jacket. NE PWC Children under 13 None Anyone towed by a boat must https://www.boat- years of age must wear a life preserver or buoyant ed.com/abc/abc_specific_images/pdfs/ne_law.pdf. wear a CG- vest, except during state- approved Type I, authorized regattas and similar II, or III PFD while ski and water shows. on board or being towed by a vessel. A life belt or ring does not satisfy this requirement.

Page A-28 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source NV PWC Children under 13 Each person engaged in water None https://www.boat- must wear a CG- skiing (or anyone towed ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/nv_handbook_entire.pd approved PFD through or on the water behind f. when underway in a boat) must wear a CG- http://www.usps.org/e_stuff/documents/nv_specific_ a vessel unless they approved Type I, II, III or V laws_2010.pdf. are in a fully PFD. enclosed area. NH “Ski Children 12 years None Each person being towed None https://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/nhsp/fob/marine craft” of age and younger behind a vessel must wear a -patrol/boating-education/faq.html#life-jacket. must wear a CG- CG-approved PFD. https://www.boat- approved PFD at ed.com/newhampshire/studyGuide/Specific-PFD- all times while Requirements/10103101_700056536/. underway on a vessel, unless the vessel is completely enclosed by railings at least three feet high and constructed such that a small child cannot fall through them.

Page A-29 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source NJ PWC Children 12 years None All skiers shall wear a United Each person must have http://www.njsp.org/marine-services/equipment- of age or younger States Coast Guard Approved on a wearable CG- checklist.shtml. required to wear Type I, II, III or Type V Hybrid approved PFD when http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/info/pdf/marine/021606- Type I, II, III, or V Personal Flotation Device. boating in Round boating-safety-manual.pdf. CG-approved Valley Reservoir. Life http://www.njparksandforests.org/parks/round.html. personal flotation jackets or life belt http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/rules/njac7_2.pdf. device, except shall be worn when those in an Ice boating or ice enclosed cabin. yachting on Lake There are some Hopatcong, Lake additional Musconetcong, exceptions. Swartswood Lake, Spruce Run Reservoir and Greenwood Lake.

Page A-30 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source NM PWC and Children 12 years Skiers and those being pulled Persons engaged in http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/BOATINGWeb/ others of age or younger on a floating object shall wear a boating on a river or in boatingmainpage.html must wear a CG- CG-approved type I, II or III boat races or persons http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/fishing/fishing- approved PFD on personal flotation device while using ice sailboats, regulations/boating/. all paddlecraft, on being pulled by a vessel. personal watercraft, http://164.64.110.239/nmac/parts/title18/18.017.0002 all personal kayaks, canoes, .htm. watercraft on all paddleboards and towed activities rubber rafts on any and all vessels waters of this state while the vessel is shall wear a CG- underway, unless approved wearable the child is below personal flotation deck or in an device. Persons using enclosed cabin. wind sail boards, inner tubes, air mattresses, float tubes or other inflatable devices not covered in Paragraph (4) of Subsection A of 18.17.2.9 NMAC on waters of this state shall wear a flotation assist device or a personal flotation device.

Page A-31 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source NY PWC Children under the No owner or Anyone towed behind a vessel None http://nysparks.com/recreation/boating/safe- age of 12 on boats operator of a must wear a securely fastened boating/life-jackets.aspx. 65 ft or less in pleasure vessel CG-approved PFD. This http://nysparks.com/recreation/boating/documents/P length must wear a less than 21 feet, includes being towed on water FDLawsofNewYork.pdf. CG-approved PFD including skis, tubes, sails or similar unless they are in a rowboats, devices. It does not include fully enclosed canoes, and people to whom assistance is cabin. The PFD kayaks shall being given. must be the permit its appropriate size for operation, the child. between November 1 and May 1, unless each person on board such vessel is wearing a securely fastened CG- approved wearable personal flotation device of an appropriate size when such vessel is underway.

Page A-32 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source NC PWC No person may use None Water skiing prohibited at any None http://www.ncwildlife.org/Boating/LawsSafety/Child a recreational time unless (a) the vessel is renMustWearPFDs.aspx. vessel unless each equipped with a rear vision http://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Boating/docume child under 13 mirror, or (b) there is an nts/VOG.pdf. years old on board observer in the vessel in is wearing a CG- addition to the operator, or (c) approved PFD the person being towed wears a unless each child life preserver. These not wearing such a prohibitions do not apply to PFD is below professional skiing exhibitions decks or in an or authorized regattas. enclosed cabin. The vessel is not underway. (Vessels that are anchored or tied to shore are not underway.) This law does not apply to commercial vessels.

Page A-33 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source ND PWC It is unlawful for None No person shall manipulate any None http://gf.nd.gov/boating/boating-safety-guide. any person to water skis, surfboard or similar http://gf.nd.gov/gnf/regulations/docs/boat-and- operate or to be a device without wearing a Type water.pdf. passenger on any I, II or III PFD (persons 16 vessel less than 27 years of age or older engaged in feet in length windsurfing or boardsailing are unless all persons, exempt). 10 years of age or younger present on the vessel, wear an appropriately sized and properly fastened CG- approved Type I, II or III wearable personal flotation device while the vessel is in operation. A personal flotation device is appropriately sized if it is designed to be worn by a person of similar age, size or weight as the wearer.

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TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source OH PWC On vessels less None No person shall ride or attempt None http://watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/requiredequipment. than 18 feet, any to ride upon water skis, http://watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/operatorsguide. child less than 10 surfboards, inflatable devices or years of age must similar devices being towed by wear a CG- a vessel without wearing a CG- approved properly approved Type I, II, III PFD or fitted PFD. a Type V PFD specifically designed for water skiing. No person shall engage in barefoot skiing without wearing an adequate and effective CG- approved Type I, II, III PFD or a Type V PFD specifically designed for water skiing. OK PWC or Children 12 years None Anyone being towed on water None https://www.dps.state.ok.us/lp/lps.htm. sailboard and younger on skis or similar devices must https://www.boat- boats less than 26 wear a CG-approved PFD. Ski ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/ok_handbook_entire.pdf. feet in length must belts are not approved PFDs. wear a CG- approved PFD whenever the vessel is underway. OR PWC Children age 12 None Applicable to children 12 years Life jackets are http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/boater- and under must old and under, who are required required to be worn info/Pages/Required-Equipment.aspx. wear a CG- to wear a CG-approved Type I, in Class III or higher http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/pages/rules/oars_200/oar approved life II, or III PFD. whitewater rapids. _250/250_010.html. jacket at all times https://www.boat- while on an open ed.com/abc/abc_specific_images/pdfs/or_law.pdf. deck or cockpit of vessels that are underway or when being towed.

Page A-35 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source PA PWC and Children 12 years Boaters are All water skiers and anyone On Pittsburgh District http://fishandboat.com/fishpub/summary/pfd.htm. sail- of age and younger required to wear towed behind boats must wear a U.S. Army Corps of http://fishandboat.com/bookboat.htm. boards must wear a CG- CG-approved CG-approved PFD. Engineers lakes (only), approved PFD on PFDs on boats everyone in boats Common-wealth less than 16 feet under 16 feet and in all waters when in length or any canoes and kayaks. underway in any canoe or kayak boat 20 feet or less during the cold in length and in all weather months canoes and kayaks. from November 1 through April 30. RI PWC Children under 13 None Each person being towed None https://www.boat- years of age must behind a vessel on water skis, a ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/ri_handbook_entire.pdf. wear a CG- surfboard, or other device must approved PFD wear a CG-approved PFD. while underway in a recreational vessel less than 65 ft. in length unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin. SC PWC Children under 12 None Each person being towed must None http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/boating.html. years of age must wear a CG-approved Type I, II, https://www.boat- wear a CG-approved III, or V PFD. ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/sc_handbook_entire.pdf Type I, II, III, or V . PFD when on board a class “A” (less than 16 ft. long) boat.

Page A-36 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source SD PWC Children under 7 None None None https://www.boat- years of age must ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/sd_handbook_entire.pdf. wear a CG-approved PFD on any vessel operating at greater than “slow, no wake” speed unless they are below deck or in an enclosed cabin. TN PWC Children 12 years of None All persons being towed behind A CG-approved http://www.boatcourse.com/Tennessee/02_LawsAndS age and younger are a vessel on water skis or any personal flotation afetyEquipment/03_Safety_Equipment- required to wear a other device must wear an device must be worn Life_Jackets.aspx. CG-approved PFD, adequate and effective life by each person on https://www.tn.gov/assets/entities/twra/attachments/tn while on the open preserver, buoyant vest, or life board vessels being _handbook_entire.pdf. deck of a recreational belt. If the device worn by the operated within boat, when the boat is skier is not CG-approved, an specifically marked underway. approved PFD must be on board areas below any the towing vessel. dam. TX PWC Children under 13 None Each person riding on or being None http://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pw years of age in or on towed behind a PWC must wear d_bk_l2000_0014.pdf. vessels under 26 feet a CG-approved Type I, II, III, or must wear a CG- V PFD. There is apparently no approved wearable requirement for persons being PFD while underway. towed by other craft to wear a PFD.

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TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source UT PWC The operator of a None Except as provided in 73-18-16, On rivers, every http://static.stateparks.utah.gov/docs/BoatingCode.pdf. vessel under 19 feet UCA. The operator of a vessel person on board a https://www.boat- in length shall require which is towing a person(s) on vessel shall wear a ed.com/abc/abc_specific_images/pdfs/ut_law.pdf. each child 12 years of water skis or other devices shall CG-approved PFD, age or younger to require each person who is water except PFDs may be wear a CG-approved skiing or using other devices to loosened or PFD. This rule is wear a CG-approved PFD, removed by persons also applicable to except an inflatable PFD may 13 years of age or vessels 19 feet or not be used. older on designated more in length, flat water areas as except when the child listed in Section is inside the cabin R651-215-10. area. VT PWC Children under 12 None Anyone being towed by a vessel None https://www.boat- sail- years of age must required to wear a CG-approved ed.com/abc/abc_specific_images/pdfs/vt_law.pdf. board wear a CG-approved Type I, II, or III, PFD. Ski belts Type I, II, or III, PFD are not approved PFDs. while underway on the open deck of any vessel. All persons under 16 years of age must wear a CG- approved Type I, II, or III, while aboard a sailboard.

Page A-38 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source VA PWC No person may None Each person being towed behind http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/wog/equipment operate a recreational a boat must wear a CG-approved -regulations.asp. vessel on Federal personal flotation device if no https://www.boat- waters with any child observer is on board. ed.com/virginia/studyGuide/Specific-PFD- under age 13 on the Requirements/10104701_700061998/. vessel unless each child is either: Wearing an appropriate life jacket approved by the Coast Guard, or below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

Page A-39 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source WA PWC No person shall None at No person shall engage or None http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79A.60. operate a vessel present. A law attempt to engage in water skiing 160. under nineteen feet in was passed in without wearing a personal http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=79A.6 length on the waters 2011 requiring flotation device. Except as 0.170. of this state with a life jacket provided under RCW http://www.seattle.gov/police/publications/brochures child 12 years old wear in King 79A.60.020. The requirements /harbor_patrol_regulations_web.pdf. and under, unless the County, but of this section shall not apply to child is wearing a this has persons engaged in tournaments, personal flotation expired. competitions, or exhibitions that device that meets or have been authorized or exceeds the United otherwise permitted by the States Coast Guard appropriate agency having approval standards of jurisdiction and authority to the appropriate size, authorize such events. while the vessel is underway. For the purposes of this section, a personal flotation device is not considered readily accessible for children twelve years old and under unless the device is worn by the child while the vessel is underway. The personal flotation device must be worn at all times by a child twelve years old and under whenever the vessel is underway and the child is on an open deck or open cockpit of the vessel.

Page A-40 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source WV PWC Children 12 years A person aboard All persons being towed (except None https://www.boat- old or younger a vessel, raft, or persons engaged in barefoot ed.com/abc/abc_specific_images/pdfs/wv_law.pdf. must wear a CG- tube must wear a waterskiing) must wear a CG- https://www.boatcourse.com/West%20Virginia/02_L approved PFD CG-approved approved Type I, II, or III PFD. awsAndSafetyEquipment/03_Safety_Equipment- when on deck on Type I, II, III, or Life_Jackets.aspx. any motorboat that V personal https://www.boat- is underway. flotation device ed.com/westvirginia/studyGuide/Specific-PFD- at all times while Requirements/101052_700017208/. underway on the Shenandoah River within the boundaries of West Virginia during the period beginning at 12:01 a.m. each November 15 and ending at 12 midnight each succeeding May 15. WI PWC Federal law None None http://dnr.wi.gov/files/pdf/pubs/le/le0301.pdf. requires children http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/boat/pfd.html. under the age of 13 to wear a CG- approved life jacket while underway in an open vessel on federally controlled waters.

Page A-41 of A-42

TABLE A-2 (cont’d.). Regulations applicable to life jacket wear (long form).

Type Youth Seasonal State of boat life jacket wear wear Persons being towed Other Source WY PWC Children under 13 None A CG-approved PFD is required None https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Fishing-and-Boating/Boating- years old must while being pulled/towed and-Watercraft/Required-Safety-Equipment. wear a CG- (skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, https://www.boatcourse.com/Wyoming/02_LawsAn approved PFD on etc.). dSafetyEquipment/03_Safety_Equipment- all recreational Life_Jackets.aspx. vessels underway.

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