Zcoker Posted October 13, 2023 Share Posted October 13, 2023 1 hour ago, gimruis said: Maybe I am wrong, but I don't think any state actually requires you to wear a PFD. Can only speak for Florida.....passengers 6 years and under are required to wear a coast guard approved PFD in crafts 26ft and under while underway. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User gimruis Posted October 13, 2023 Author Super User Share Posted October 13, 2023 Just now, Zcoker said: Can only speak for Florida.....passengers 6 years and under are required to wear a coast guard approved PFD in a crafts 26ft and under while underway. 10 years and under here in MN. I'm not aware of any universal state law that requires a PFD for everyone while underway in a watercraft. Ours only says it has to be "accessible," not worn for adults. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Global Moderator TnRiver46 Posted October 13, 2023 Global Moderator Share Posted October 13, 2023 Under 13 have to wear it here whether the motor is on or not Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zcoker Posted October 13, 2023 Share Posted October 13, 2023 2 minutes ago, gimruis said: 10 years and under here in MN. I'm not aware of any universal state law that requires a PFD for everyone while underway in a watercraft. Ours only says it has to be "accessible," not worn for adults. I'm not aware of any universal laws, either. Goes to show it's an adult thing. Up to adults to pick and choose the armor for their battles. Too bad others might suffer the wrath, passengers, family and so forth. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cdn Angler Posted October 19, 2023 Share Posted October 19, 2023 Even if you have a killswitch, lifejacket, aren't drunk etc. The number one thing you can do to stay safe is to pay attention and be conservative. Go slow, don't go out in crazy weather, pay attention at all times (don't be on your phone, eating etc.), and be mindful of hazards. Boring, but prevention is the best medicine. I think a lot of mishaps come from simple inattention, which is easy to do. Anyone can get distracted for 5 seconds, which is all it takes. The more you do something and nothing bad happens, the more you let your guard down. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tackleholic Posted October 19, 2023 Share Posted October 19, 2023 Arkansas has rules, I believe they are for ages 15 and under. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishingstickman Posted October 20, 2023 Share Posted October 20, 2023 I have worked hundreds of accidents on the water, I have never ever recovered a body in a life jacket. I know of two who died of hypothermia while in the water wearing vests. The number one cause of accidents is lack of knowledge/experience especially in Florida where any one with credit can buy the largest and most overpowered on the lot. The 2021 USCG stats I last had a copy of I believe put alcohol at the fourth leading cause. The majority of accidents we deal with are rental boats and share boats companies. I have worked countless strikes into markers, other boats and docks due to texting or being preoccupied with other things going on in the boat, the latest two serious ones were due to captains running too fast while following a track on the plotter in the back country, and not paying attention to whats coming around a blind corner in the mangroves. Wearing a kill switch became a law in July of 22 in waters that have USCG jurisdiction on vessels made after I believe 2016. Its still in the education mode for the most part, meaning we write a warning for it. I am surprised every time I see someone wearing one. One of the first accidents I ever responded to was three members of a family of four were killed when a bolt broke on the steering control arm, boat did circles and hit one person each pass. I have worn one every time I turn on the ignition since then 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Swamp Girl Posted October 20, 2023 Super User Share Posted October 20, 2023 Quote I have worked hundreds of accidents on the water, I have never ever recovered a body in a life jacket. I won't fish with anyone who won't wear a life jacket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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