A life jacket is a crucial safety accessory for kayaking, and it is a legal requirement across the USA. Children are required to wear a life jacket at all times while kayaking, while adults must have one on board. There are different types of life jackets (I, II, III, or V) that suit different water conditions and activities. In the UK, life jackets must meet the CE mark, indicating compliance with the 7 Best Life Jackets For Kayaking In 2023 guide.
Lifejackets, also known as personal flotation devices or PFDs, are essential for maintaining safety on the water. Vessels must carry enough approved lifejackets for everyone on board at all times, even when they do not. All vessels, including canoes, kayaks, and other paddlecraft, must have at least one USCG-approved Type I, II, III, or V (wearable) PFD for each person on board.
The minimum age to wear a life jacket is under 12 years old. In most states, there must be at least one U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type I, II, or III lifejacket (PFD) per person on board. Life jackets must be readily accessible to all people on board any vessel 16 feet in length or shorter, including all paddleboards, canoes, and boats less than 16 feet in length.
In cold water, life jackets are required to be worn by each person onboard canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and all boats less than 16 feet in length. The ODNR strongly encourages all boaters to wear life jackets, regardless of the law, and all life jackets must meet these U.S. Coast Guard-approved requirements.
📹 How to Choose a Life Jacket for Kayaking and Canoeing
Wearing a life jacket when you’re kayaking or canoeing is no more of an option than wearing your seatbelt when you’re driving.
📹 How To Choose A Life Jacket For Kayaking – My PFD For 2022
Dan picks out his new PFD for the 2022 season, pointing out some things to consider when purchasing your own life jacket.
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