This report highlights trends from February 2019 to May 2025
Personal Flotation Device (PFD) required onboard
Yes
No
PFD type
Wearable PFD
PFD wear required
Yes
No
*
Large boats (16 feet or more) require at least one throwable Type IV PFD onboard
Yes
No
PFD wear required for personal watercraft
Yes
No
PFD wear required for towed watersports
Yes
No
PFD requirement for children
Yes
No
Age for mandatory PFD wear
Under 13 years
PFD type
U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable PFD
When should child wear PFD
Vessel is underway
Applicable boat length
Less than 21 feet
Enforcement stated
Yes
No
Penalty
Not available
Any person onboard a boat less than 16 feet must wear a PFD from November 1 - April 30 while the vessel is underway.
N/A
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*All persons on board a pleasure vessel <21 feet between November 1st and May 1st must wear a PFD
*Federal regulation requires at least one wearable PFD to be available for every person onboard a recreational vessel. In the absence of a state PFD law for children, children under 13 years are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD when a recreational vessel is underway unless in an enclosed cabin or below deck.Federal Regulation on Personal Flotation Devices
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