Massachusetts Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Massachusetts

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

• ConnecticutConditional

  Connecticut requires any child 12 years of age and under aboard a recreational vessel to wear a PFD while the vessel is underway, unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin. Separately, from October 1 through May 31, all persons on board a manually propelled vessel must wear a Type I, II, III or V U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD.

  Verified Sep 30, 2026 · Source: portal.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →

• New HampshireConditional

  New Hampshire requires all children 12 years old and younger to wear a life jacket when being transported in a boat.

  Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: nhsp.dos.nh.gov · Full New Hampshire rule →

• New YorkConditional

  In New York, any youth under 12 on a boat 65 feet or less in length must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket (does not apply if in a fully enclosed cabin). Separately, from November 1 through May 1, anyone underway in a boat less than 21 feet in length, including canoes, kayaks, rowboats and motorboats, must wear a securely fastened life jacket; commercial vessels are exempt.

  Verified Sep 29, 2026 · Source: parks.ny.gov · Full New York rule →

• Rhode IslandConditional

  Rhode Island requires any child under 13 in a recreational vessel less than 65 feet to wear a USCG-approved PFD when underway, unless below deck or in a closed cabin (R.I. Gen. Laws 46-22-9.2).

  Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov · Full Rhode Island rule →

• VermontConditional

  In Vermont, anyone under 12 must wear a personal flotation device at all times while aboard a boat.

  Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: vsp.vermont.gov · Full Vermont rule →