Disclaimer:  This post is not intended as a complete guide to life jacket regulations, nor is it intended as a replacement for a proper training course.  We encourage all new boaters and sailors to take a boater safety course.  Ultimately, it is up to the skipper of the vessel to ensure the applicable laws and regulations are followed.

So what do we need to know about life jackets before we hit the water?

First, let’s start with using the correct terminology.  A life jacket is actually a subset of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). PFDs include things like throwable rings and cushions, life jackets, inflatable devices and other special use flotation devices that are designed to aide in keeping a person at the surface of the water.  Since this post is about life jackets for kids, we’ll focus on wearable PFDs.

First,  we need to know some basic information about how the U.S. Coast Guard categorizes wearable life jackets.  To sum it up, there are 3 categories (called Types) of wearable life jackets that are most commonly used in recreational boating.  Each type is designated for a specific purpose and USCG regulations require certain types of life jackets on our boats (more on that later).

  • Type I – A Type I PFD is designed for “offshore” conditions.   In these conditions, a person in need of rescue may be in those conditions for extended periods of time.  The life jacket is designed to have a high probability of turning an unconscious person face up in the water for extended periods of time.  For most recreational boating, a Type 1 PFD may be a bit overkill.  However, it is ultimately up to the skipper to ensure the proper PFDs are used.
  • Type II – A Type II PFD is for in-shore or near-shore conditions.  In these conditions, a relatively quick rescue would be expected.  Type II PFDs are also designed to turn an unconscious person face-up in the water in in-shore or near-shore conditions.  Most recreational boating occurs in these conditions.  Again, it is the responsibility of the skipper to ensure the appropriate devices are used.
  • Type III – A Type III PFD is a flotation aid.  Basically, Type III PFDs are more lightweight and comfortable than Type II PFD’s and are used for water sports like skiing, wakeboarding and swimming.  It is important to recognize that these jackets are generally NOT designed to keep the wearer’s face out of the water.

For more details on wearable PFD types, check out this link to the USCG PFD Selection, Use, Wear and Care webpage.

Regulations and rules for wearable PFDs

For recreational boating, the rules are pretty simple.  Under USCG jurisdiction:

  • At least 1 wearable PFD on board for every person.
  • Children under age 13 must wear a USCG approved PFD unless below decks or in an enclosed cabin.
  • If you are in state waters and that state has a specific regulation containing a requirement for children of a certain age to wear a PFD, then that state’s regulation applies in state waters.  In Texas waters, the only difference I have found is that children on boats less than 26ft in length are not required to wear a PFD (a wearable PFD is still required to be on the boat, obviously).

Here are the links to the Federal Regulations on boating safety, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife boater’s safety webpage.  If you boat in other state’s water, the USCG has conveniently provided links to the state’s boater safety websites which you can access here.

Inflatable PFDs

So I was one of those parents who asked so are there inflatable PFDs for children? Essentially…no.  USCG regulations prohibit persons under the age of 16 from using inflatable PFDs for recreational boating.  Inflatable PFDs are a great option for the adults.  They are lightweight, almost unnoticeable when wearing.  This fact alone makes it much more likely that an adult will choose to wear a PFD as routine while boating.  But I’ll save the discussion on inflatable versus inherently buoyant PFDs for a later date.