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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-wearable-pfd-each-person

Federal rules say a recreational boat must carry how many wearable life jackets?

One wearable life jacket for each person on board.

  1. One for each person on board ✔
  2. One for every two people
  3. Two per boat, no matter how many ride

Why: Under 33 CFR 175.15, nobody may use a recreational boat unless at least one wearable PFD is aboard for each person. Each must be Coast Guard approved and the right size for its wearer.

Huh, didn't know that: The Coast Guard says life jackets are the item boarding officers cite most often for violations.

The dad joke
What do you call a guy in a life jacket floating in the lake? Bob.
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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 & WaterAt what boat length does federal law add a throwable flotation device to the wearable ones?Boating & WaterUnder the federal rule, kids under what age must wear a life jacket on a moving boat?Boating & WaterYour state's child life jacket age differs from the federal rule. Which one applies on that state's waters?

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