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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/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.

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  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.

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Why did the kid wear a life jacket to the library? The teacher said they'd be diving into books.
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References

Answer: Under 13. 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.

  1. 33 CFR 175.15 Personal flotation devices required (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-175.15
    No person may operate a recreational vessel under way with any child under 13 years old aboard unless each such child is either
    Checked 2026-10-08.
  2. USCG A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (2023) www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
    Check the “User Weight” on the label
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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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?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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