← South Carolina boating laws›Life Jacket Rules

South Carolina Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: South Carolina requires every person under 12 years old aboard a Class A motorboat (less than 16 feet) to wear a USCG-approved PFD (S.C. Code 50-21-870).

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: scstatehouse.gov →

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

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering South Carolina

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

GeorgiaConditional
Georgia requires children under age 13 to wear a PFD at all times while on any moving vessel.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: gadnrle.org · Full Georgia rule →
North CarolinaConditional
In North Carolina, children under 13 years of age must wear an approved life jacket while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ncwildlife.gov · Full North Carolina rule →

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