When is it legally required to wear a life jacket while boating?

The legal requirement to wear a life jacket while boating is primarily focused on safety measures for vulnerable individuals and specific types of watercraft. In California, individuals under the age of 13 are mandated by law to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when on a moving vessel. This regulation is in place to provide an extra layer of safety for younger passengers who may not have the swimming proficiency or caution necessary for water activities.

Additionally, life jackets must be worn by individuals operating personal watercraft—such as jet skis—regardless of age. This requirement is intended to minimize the risk of drowning and enhance safety on the water, as personal watercraft can be fast and more prone to accidents.

The other options do not encompass the comprehensive safety requirements outlined in boating laws, making them insufficient as legal mandates. For instance, operating a sailboat, being in bad weather, or fishing from a boat does not automatically trigger a legal requirement for life jacket use. However, safety guidelines encourage the wearing of life jackets in all circumstances, especially in adverse conditions, but they do not create a specific legal obligation like the one in place for children under 13 or for those on personal watercraft.