← New Jersey boating laws›Life Jacket Rules
New Jersey Life Jacket Rules (2026)
Conditional: New Jersey requires every child 12 years of age or younger aboard a vessel to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket (does not apply in an enclosed cabin).
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Life Jacket Rules in states bordering New Jersey
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- DelawareConditional
Delaware mandates that all children 12 and under wear a life jacket while underway; all vessels must carry a PFD for each person aboard.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dnrec.delaware.gov · Full Delaware 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 →
- PennsylvaniaConditional
Pennsylvania requires all children 12 and younger to wear a USCG-approved life jacket while underway on any boat 20 feet or less and on all canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Separately, from November 1 through April 30, every person on board a canoe, kayak, paddleboard or any boat less than 16 feet in length must wear a life jacket.
Verified Sep 29, 2026 · Source: pa.gov · Full Pennsylvania rule →
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