← Rhode Island boating laws›Life Jacket Rules

Rhode Island Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: Rhode Island requires any child under 13 in a recreational vessel less than 65 feet to wear a USCG-approved PFD when underway, unless below deck or in a closed cabin (R.I. Gen. Laws 46-22-9.2).

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: webserver.rilegislature.gov →

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Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Rhode Island

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

ConnecticutConditional
Connecticut requires any child 12 years of age and under aboard a recreational vessel to wear a PFD while the vessel is underway, unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin. Separately, from October 1 through May 31, all persons on board a manually propelled vessel must wear a Type I, II, III or V U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD.
Verified Sep 30, 2026 · Source: portal.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
MassachusettsConditional
Massachusetts requires PFDs be worn by youth under 12 years of age (as well as PWC users, water skiers, and canoeists/kayakers Sept 15-May 15).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mass.gov · Full Massachusetts rule →

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