← North Carolina boating laws›Life Jacket Rules

North Carolina Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: In North Carolina, children under 13 years of age must wear an approved life jacket while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

In North Carolina, children under 13 years of age must wear an approved life jacket while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet.

Official source: ncwildlife.gov →

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