← Colorado boating laws›Life Jacket Rules

Colorado Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: Colorado requires children 12 years of age and younger to wear a life jacket whenever the vessel is on the water, except when in an enclosed cabin or below deck.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: cpw.state.co.us →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Colorado

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ArizonaConditional
In Arizona, all children 12 years of age and younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket whenever underway on any vessel.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: azgfd.com · Full Arizona rule →
KansasConditional
Kansas requires children age 12 and younger to wear a properly-fitting life jacket while on the boat.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ksoutdoors.com · Full Kansas rule →
NebraskaConditional
In Nebraska no child under 13 may be aboard any vessel without wearing a Coast Guard-approved life preserver, except when hunting waterfowl in an anchored boat.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: outdoornebraska.gov · Full Nebraska rule →
New MexicoConditional
In New Mexico, children under 13 must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while the vessel is underway, unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: emnrd.nm.gov · Full New Mexico rule →
OklahomaConditional
Oklahoma requires all children under 13 years of age to wear an approved life jacket whenever underway in a vessel less than 26 feet in length.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: digitalprairie.ok.gov · Full Oklahoma rule →
UtahConditional
Utah requires passengers 12 years old and younger to wear a properly sized Coast Guard-approved life jacket whenever a boat is in operation.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: stateparks.utah.gov · Full Utah rule →
WyomingConditional
In Wyoming, children 12 and under must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway unless they are inside an enclosed cabin.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: wgfd.wyo.gov · Full Wyoming rule →

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