← Missouri boating laws›Life Jacket Rules

Missouri Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: Missouri requires each person under age 7 aboard any watercraft on state waters to wear a USCG-approved PFD (exception for fully enclosed areas such as a houseboat/cruiser cabin).

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: mshp.dps.missouri.gov →

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

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Missouri

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

ArkansasConditional
In Arkansas, children 12 years old and younger must wear a securely fastened USCG-approved PFD at all times on any vessel, except within an enclosed cabin when not underway.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: agfc.com · Full Arkansas rule →
IllinoisConditional
Illinois requires an approved wearable PFD be worn by each person under age 13 on the deck of, or in an open, watercraft whenever it is underway.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dnr.illinois.gov · Full Illinois rule →
IowaConditional
Under Iowa law, any child under age 13 must wear a life jacket at all times while on a vessel, including canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: iowadnr.gov · Full Iowa 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 →
KentuckyConditional
Kentucky requires children under 12 years of age to wear a USCG-approved PFD at all times while underway in an open vessel or on an open deck.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: fw.ky.gov · Full Kentucky 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 →
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 →
TennesseeConditional
In Tennessee, children 12 and younger must wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD on the open deck of a recreational boat unless anchored, moored, or aground.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →

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