SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-child-life-jacket-under-13

Under the federal rule, kids under what age must wear a life jacket on a moving boat?

Under 13, unless below decks or in an enclosed cabin.

  1. Under 10
  2. Under 16
  3. Under 13 ✔

Why: 33 CFR 175.15(c) says children under 13 must wear a Coast Guard approved PFD while the boat is underway, unless they are below decks or in an enclosed cabin. Many states set their own age instead.

Huh, didn't know that: Child life jackets are labeled by user weight, with ranges such as 30 to 50 pounds or 50 to 90 pounds.

The dad joke
Why did the kid wear a life jacket to the library? The teacher said they'd be diving into books.
Like this card?
Play the game

Sources

  1. 33 CFR 175.15 Personal flotation devices required (eCFR) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-175.15
  2. USCG A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (2023) https://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf

Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterYour state's child life jacket age differs from the federal rule. Which one applies on that state's waters?Boating & WaterFederal rules say a recreational boat must carry how many wearable life jackets?Boating & WaterAt what boat length does federal law add a throwable flotation device to the wearable ones?

That's stuff everyone should know.