AMERICAN SAMOA: When a boat sails in American Samoa, everyone must wear a life jacket. The penalty for the violation is a fine of $1000. We`ve put together a handy reference book if you`re not sure what rules apply in your state. If you are going to a new state and planning to go into the water, this can be very helpful as the rules can change a lot from one state to another. Keep in mind that there are country-specific regulations that continue to apply. So check the regulations in your area before boating with a child on board. We will review government-specific information in Chapter 9. ALASKA: Anyone 13 years of age or younger must wear a life jacket in Alaska. This is when you are on the open deck, traveling or being towed.
Violations are punishable by a variety of fines, starting at $100. Additional fines will be imposed for each violation. It is also important that a child`s lifejacket fits snugly. When choosing a PFD in baby or child size, it is always necessary to think carefully. After purchasing a PFD, you should also test the fit in safe, shallow water. MARIALES DU NORD: Water skiers and personal watercraft operators must wear life jackets. ILLINOIS: Children under the age of 13 must wear life jackets. If you operate personal watercraft, you must wear them. Fines start at $75. The most common reasons people don`t wear life jackets are because it`s too hot, or it`s going to ruin their tanning line, or they`re just not comfortable. Child lifejacket requirements vary from state to state, but federal law requires all children under the age of 13 to wear a lifejacket on a moving boat. FLORIDA: Children under the age of 6 on vessels under 26 feet must wear an approved lifejacket along the way.
Federal laws state that the age is 13. All personal watercraft operators and water skiers also need it. Fines start at $50, but can increase. NEBRASKA: Children under the age of 13 must wear life jackets at all times, except when hunting waterfowl in an anchored vessel. PWC operators need it too. The fine is $50. Please note that these laws stipulate that boaters must be of the minimum age for a child to wear a life jacket. It is always up to parents to decide whether a child should wear a lifejacket, even in situations where it is not required by law. ARKANSAS: Anyone under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket.
The only time this is not the case is when they are locked in an enclosed cabin or by railings on a boat that is not en route. Water skiers and cyclists must also wear them. WEST VIRGINIA: All children under the age of 13 must wear life jackets. Personal watercraft and towed watercraft must also transport them. Fines start at $20, but include court fees in excess of $100. The Coast Guard recommends and many states require the wearing of lifejackets: SOUTH CAROLINA: All children under the age of 13 must wear a lifejacket on a vessel less than 16 feet en route. Similarly, everyone on a personal watercraft must wear one. Fines can range from $25 to $200. HAWAII: Children under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket on a vessel operating offshore or anchored. Fines can range from $50 to $1,000.
Subsequent fines after an initial fine can be up to $5,000, followed by additional offences up to $15,000. Today`s life jackets are much more advanced than they used to be. Comfortable, lightweight and stylish options can be found at your local ship supplies dealer or even online. Many people don`t realize the variety of new life jackets on the market today – belt bags and other jackets that are flat, lightweight, easy to move and available in many sizes, styles and shapes for every person and sport. There is even something for pets! VIRGINIA: People who use personal watercraft must wear life jackets. Children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket unless they are below deck or in a secure cabin. Fines can be as high as $250. The best way to be prepared is to wear your PFD or lifejacket when you are on or near the water. WISCONSIN: Lifejackets must be worn before the age of 13. Personal watercraft operators also need it.
Fines are $148 for violations. If you are navigating in an area under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers or a federal, state, or local park authority, different rules may apply. Here are some other important rules to keep in mind when it comes to PFDs. KANSAS: Children under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket on every ship in Kansas. Those who operate boats also need it. Fines are set by the court and can be up to $500. NEW HAMPSHIRE: Children under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket when the ship is en route. Those who are on PWC or towed need it too. Fines up to $60. NEVADA: Children under the age of 12 need life jackets. Similarly, personal watercraft operators need it. Fines can reach a maximum of $2000.