How old can you be to stop wearing a life jacket???

Question

How old can you be to stop wearing a life jacket???

Answer 1

It depends on the type of vessel or activity.  I would NEVER use a canoe or kayak or waterski/wakeboard without one.  I'm getting old and would really like to get older.

If there is a possibility of going into the water accidentally, wear it.

Answer 2

once your able to swim good

Answer 3

It's not about age, it is required for most water sports. If for example you are hit and knocked unconscious the life jacket will keep you from drowning.

Where I live in (Canada) its necessary for kayaking, boating, water-skiing, rafting. If you are a good strong swimmer who has been through most of the courses, or are a strong swimmer who really knows what their doing in the water, then its likely not necessary to wear a life vest .

If you know about treading water, backfloat, finning, backstroke, sidestroke, the crawl and can stay in the water for long periods of time without tiring, you can likely do without a lifevest, unless you are not in the water or in a boat for hours and hours.

By the way, if you are in fast-moving water, or lakes and rivers that become affected by the weather quickly you need a life vest for things like fishing from a boat.

Answer 4

it depends on what state your in so check online but legally in texas you dont have to wear one when you turn 13.... but always always wear one when you are doing water sports. Hope it helped!

Answer 5

by coast guard law anyone 12 and under must wear a USCG approved PFD. No exceptions, even if the boat isn't under way. I believe the fine is $450 per violation.

Answer 6

At least 8 or 9.

Answer 7

your supposed to always wear a life jacket but i say if ur sixteen you can ditch it

Answer 8

When doing watersports, you should always wear a life jacket, no matter if you're an Olympic swimmer or not. What would happen if you got knocked out (say by impact with water or something hard) - your 'life' jacket (hence the name) would save your life by stopping you from drowning.

It's better to be safe than sorry... and doesn't look that babyish/stupid, honest!

Answer 9

there is no age limit

Answer 10

in NY the legal age to not wear one is 13 and older. there is a fine if some one 12 or under isnt wearing one.

Answer 11

Realistically, you should always wear one.  If the boat hits a wave and you are knocked overboard and hit your head, you will drown without one.  When you are unconcious, it does not matter how well you can swim!