← Delaware boating laws›Life Jacket Rules

Delaware Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: Delaware mandates that all children 12 and under wear a life jacket while underway; all vessels must carry a PFD for each person aboard.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026
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Official source: dnrec.delaware.gov →

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Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Delaware

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

  • MarylandConditional

    Maryland requires all children under age 13 to wear a USCG-approved PFD while underway on a recreational vessel under 21 feet in length.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dnr.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →

  • New JerseyConditional

    New Jersey requires every child 12 years of age or younger aboard a vessel to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket (does not apply in an enclosed cabin).

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: nj.gov · Full New Jersey rule →

  • PennsylvaniaConditional

    Pennsylvania requires all children 12 and younger to wear a USCG-approved life jacket while underway on any boat 20 feet or less and on all canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Separately, from November 1 through April 30, every person on board a canoe, kayak, paddleboard or any boat less than 16 feet in length must wear a life jacket.

    Verified Sep 29, 2026 · Source: pa.gov · Full Pennsylvania rule →

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