Legal Requirements for PFDs (Life Jackets)

Last reviewed: October 3, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice. States can add their own life jacket rules, especially for children and personal watercraft, so check your state boating agency too.

If you're studying for a boater education test, or just want to be sure your boat is legal before the weekend, life jackets are the rule people most often get wrong. Federal law on this is fairly short, and once you know it, the quiz questions answer themselves.

Short answer: on a recreational boat, federal law requires a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket (PFD) for each person on board. Each one must be in good, serviceable condition, the right size and fit for the person who would wear it, legibly marked with its approval number, and readily accessible. Boats 16 feet or longer also need one throwable PFD that is immediately available. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket while the boat is under way, unless they are below decks or in an enclosed cabin, or a state sets a different age.

What the law actually says

33 CFR 175.15, Personal flotation devices required "No person may use a recreational vessel unless— (1) At least one wearable PFD is on board for each person; (2) Each PFD is used in accordance with any requirements on the approval label; and (3) Each PFD is used in accordance with any requirements in its owner's manual, if the approval label makes reference to such a manual."

33 CFR 175.21 "No person may use a recreational boat unless each PFD required by § 175.15 is— (a) In serviceable condition as provided in § 175.23; (b) Of an appropriate size and fit for the intended wearer, as marked on the approval label; and (c) Legibly marked with its approval number, as specified in 46 CFR part 160."

33 CFR 175.19: each wearable PFD must be "readily accessible" and each throwable must be "immediately available."

Read Part 175 (Cornell LII)

The federal requirements, one by one

1. One approved wearable PFD per person

The count is per person on board, including children and non-swimmers. The Coast Guard's boating safety site puts it simply: you need "a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Wearable PFD for each person onboard." A life jacket that isn't Coast Guard-approved, such as a swim aid or toy float, doesn't count.

2. Right size and fit

A life jacket that fits an adult won't keep a small child safely afloat. The label shows the weight or chest size range it's designed for, and the rule in 33 CFR 175.21 ties legality to that label.

3. Serviceable condition

Under 33 CFR 175.23, a PFD can't show deterioration that could reduce its performance, such as broken buckles or damaged straps. Foam-type jackets can't have rips, tears or open seams large enough to lose buoyant material. Inflatables must have "a properly armed inflation mechanism, complete with a full inflation medium cartridge."

4. Readily accessible, not buried

A life jacket still in its plastic wrap or locked in a compartment under gear is not "readily accessible". In an emergency you may have seconds, which is why the Coast Guard recommends simply wearing one.

5. A throwable on boats 16 feet and over

Under 33 CFR 175.15(b), a recreational vessel 16 feet or more in length needs one throwable PFD (a ring buoy or cushion) in addition to the wearable ones, and under 175.19 it must be immediately available to throw.

6. Children must wear one

Federal law, 33 CFR 175.15(c), says no one may operate a recreational vessel under way with a child under 13 aboard unless the child is wearing an appropriate Coast Guard-approved PFD or is below decks or in an enclosed cabin. Under 33 CFR 175.25, if a state has its own statute on children's life jacket wear, the state rule applies on that state's waters instead.

Exemptions

33 CFR 175.17 lists a few exceptions:

Canoes and kayaks 16 feet or longer don't need the extra throwable.
Racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes and racing kayaks are exempt from carrying any PFD.
Sailboards are exempt from carrying any PFD.

State rules on top of federal law

States can and do go further. Common additions include requiring everyone on a personal watercraft (jet ski) to wear a life jacket, requiring wear while water-skiing or being towed, a different age for children, and seasonal cold-water wear rules. Your state boating agency's handbook will list them. If you also want to check how many people and how much weight your boat can carry, see our guide to boat capacity plates.

Common mistakes

Counting adult jackets for children, or having fewer jackets than people.
Using an inflatable with a spent or missing cartridge.
Stowing jackets where no one can reach them quickly.
Assuming the federal under-13 rule applies everywhere, when your state may set a different age.

Does everyone on a boat have to wear a life jacket?

Not under federal law. Adults must have a Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket on board and readily accessible, but are not required by federal rules to wear it. Children under 13 must wear one while the boat is under way unless they are below decks or in an enclosed cabin, or a different state rule applies. Some states also require wear for activities such as riding a personal watercraft or water-skiing.

What age do kids have to wear a life jacket?

The federal default is under 13 years old. But if your state has its own statute setting a different age, the state rule applies on that state's waters (33 CFR 175.25). Check your state boating agency before you go out.

Do I need a throwable cushion or ring?

Yes, on a recreational boat 16 feet or longer you need one throwable PFD in addition to a wearable one for each person, and it must be immediately available. Canoes and kayaks 16 feet or longer are exempt from the throwable requirement.

Are inflatable life jackets legal?

Yes, if they are Coast Guard-approved and used according to the label. An inflatable must be properly armed with a full cartridge to count as serviceable, and its label may limit who can use it (for example, by age) or require it to be worn to count toward the requirement.

Do kayaks and canoes need life jackets?

Yes, generally a wearable PFD for each person. Racing kayaks, racing canoes, racing shells and rowing sculls are exempt from carrying PFDs, as are sailboards (33 CFR 175.17). For paddleboards and other craft, check the Coast Guard's guidance and your state's rules.

Sources

33 CFR 175.15, Personal flotation devices required: Cornell LII
33 CFR 175.17, Exemptions: Cornell LII
33 CFR 175.19, Stowage: Cornell LII
33 CFR 175.21, Condition; size and fit; approval marking: Cornell LII
33 CFR 175.23, Serviceable condition: Cornell LII
33 CFR 175.25, State requirements for children to wear PFDs: Cornell LII
U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety, Life jacket wear: uscgboating.org

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