← South Dakota boating laws›Life Jacket Rules

South Dakota Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: South Dakota requires each child under 7 years old to wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD whenever the boat operates above no-wake speed, unless in a cabin or below deck.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

Boating rules change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app

Official source: rules.sd.gov →

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

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering South Dakota

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

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 →
MinnesotaConditional
Minnesota requires a life jacket be worn by children less than 10 years of age when aboard a watercraft that is underway (not tied at a dock or permanent mooring).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dnr.state.mn.us · Full Minnesota rule →
MontanaConditional
Montana requires children under 12 to wear a life jacket on a boat less than 26 feet in length that is in motion.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: fwp.mt.gov · Full Montana 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 →
North DakotaConditional
North Dakota requires all persons 10 years of age or younger to wear a Coast Guard-approved wearable PFD on any vessel less than 27 feet while it is in operation (N.D.C.C. 20.1-13-20).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ndlegis.gov · Full North Dakota rule →
WyomingConditional
In Wyoming, children 12 and under must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway unless they are inside an enclosed cabin.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: wgfd.wyo.gov · Full Wyoming rule →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind South Dakota boating rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.