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Wisconsin Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: Federal law (enforced in Wisconsin) requires children under 13 to wear a USCG-approved life jacket while underway in an open vessel.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: dnr.wisconsin.gov →

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

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Wisconsin

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

IllinoisConditional
Illinois requires an approved wearable PFD be worn by each person under age 13 on the deck of, or in an open, watercraft whenever it is underway.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dnr.illinois.gov · Full Illinois rule →
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 →
MichiganConditional
Michigan requires all children under 6 years of age to wear a USCG-approved Type I or II PFD when riding on the open deck of any vessel while underway.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: michigan.gov · Full Michigan 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 →

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