Who is required to wear a life jacket when aboard a sailboat?

The requirement for all children under 13 years old to wear a life jacket while aboard a sailboat is grounded in safety regulations aimed at protecting the most vulnerable passengers. Children, due to their size and swimming abilities, are at a greater risk of drowning in the event of an accident such as capsizing or falling overboard.

California law specifically mandates that children in this age group must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket whenever they are on a moving vessel. This rule helps ensure that children are protected by providing them with increased buoyancy and making it easier for them to stay afloat, especially in emergency situations.

Beyond this age requirement, adults and those over the age of 13 are encouraged to wear life jackets; however, they are not legally mandated to do so unless specific conditions apply, such as during certain activities or on certain types of vessels.