When it comes to boating safety, one of the most important pieces of equipment is a life jacket. But what is the age to not wear a life jacket on a boat?
The answer depends on the laws in your state or country. In the United States, most states require children under 13 years old to wear a life jacket while on a boat. However, some states have different regulations and may require children under 16 or 18 years old to wear a life jacket. It’s important to check with your local laws before heading out on the water.
In addition to state laws, there are also federal regulations that apply to all boats in U.S. waters. The U.S. Coast Guard requires that all passengers under 13 years old must wear an approved personal flotation device (PFD) at all times when on board a vessel less than 26 feet in length. This includes kayaks, canoes, and other small boats as well as larger vessels such as sailboats and motorboats.
It’s also important to note that even if you are over the age of 13, you should still wear a life jacket when boating for safety reasons. Life jackets provide buoyancy and help keep you afloat if you fall overboard or if your boat capsizes in rough waters. Wearing a life jacket can also help protect you from hypothermia if you end up in cold water for an extended period of time.
The age to not wear a life jacket on a boat varies depending on where you live and what type of vessel you are using but generally speaking it is recommended that all passengers under 13 years old must wear an approved PFD at all times when out on the water for safety reasons regardless of their age or experience level with boating activities.