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California Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: California requires every child under 13 to wear a USCG-approved life jacket on a moving vessel of any length, except in an enclosed cabin or during an emergency rescue.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: dbw.parks.ca.gov →

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Life Jacket Rules in states bordering California

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

ArizonaConditional
In Arizona, all children 12 years of age and younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket whenever underway on any vessel.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: azgfd.com · Full Arizona rule →
NevadaConditional
In Nevada, passengers 13 and under must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while any boat is underway, unless they are in an enclosed area (NRS 488.193).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ndow.org · Full Nevada rule →
OregonConditional
Oregon requires all children 12 and younger to wear a life jacket at all times while on an open deck or cockpit when a boat is underway or being towed.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: oregon.gov · Full Oregon rule →

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