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New York Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: 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).

ConditionalVerified Sep 29, 2026

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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.

Official source: parks.ny.gov →

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

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering New York

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 →
MassachusettsConditional
Massachusetts requires PFDs be worn by youth under 12 years of age (as well as PWC users, water skiers, and canoeists/kayakers Sept 15-May 15).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mass.gov · Full Massachusetts rule →
New JerseyConditional
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).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: nj.gov · Full New Jersey 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 →
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 →

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