What are the Federal Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Requirements for Children?
As of 2002, it is now a Federal requirement that all children under 13 years of age aboard a recreational boat must wear a US Coast Guard-approved PFD on all federal waterways. Specific PFD requirements vary from state-to-state, however, so be sure to check with your local state boating officials for additional information. It’s an essential boating safety precaution to make sure that young children wear life jackets when onboard. In fact, it is estimated that proper use of lifejackets could prevent approximately two-thirds of all boating-related drowning accidents in children ages 14 and under.
