Was given a child under 13 no PFD, in Texas?

Question

Was wondering what the law says in Texas, as there were 2 personnal floating devices within the reach of the 12 year old boy, one by his feet and another one behind him and 4 adults on board

Answer 1

what exactly is your question?

Are you asking if it was a violation to have a 12-year-old on board not wearing a PFD?

The answer is "Yes"

Are you asking if they always ticket every violation of that rule?

the answer is, "yes."  Game warden will give you good stern lecture about it, too.  City police lake patrols might be a little friendlier.

If you're asking whether kids under 13 always wear PFD's on board my boat, the answer is "yes".

If you're trying to convince me that the boy wasn't in any real danger, I'd bet $100 that had I been there, I would've agreed with ya on that.

Answer 2

Yup, the answer is already here, the 12 year old had to be wearing the PFD, not just have one by his feet.

Answer 3

Richard is correct in stating that the child must be wearing the PFD. From their web site:

Texas PFD Requirements

Children under 13 years of age in motorboats under 26 feet must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD while underway.

All vessels under 16 feet (including canoes and kayaks) must be equipped with one Type I, II, III or V for each person on board.

Vessels 16 feet and longer, in addition to the Type I, II, III or V for each person on board, must have one Type IV which must be readily accessible. Canoes and kayaks over 16 feet are exempt from the Type IV requirement.

More information can be learned by visiting their web site at the address listed below.

Answer 4

In Texas the child must be wearing the PFD, and it has to be a size that "fits" him.  Not an Adult size.  I think they go by weight.   Sorry you had the problem, but it's for their safety.

Answer 5

In MANY States the LAW says children, minors, etc. MUST BE WEARING THE PFD...having it 'next to them', or 'within reach' IS NOT MEETING THE LAW.

Drowning victims aren't found wearing life jackets...

we pulled out several canoists from white water after they flipped and got in trouble. Where were their PFD's?

STRAPPED AROUND THE WINE COOLER BOX!

Real smart, huh?

So if your law says under 13 must HAVE A PFD, it means it must be PROPERLY STRAPPED ON THEM. PERIOD.,

Having it just hanging on them like an open vest doesn't work. What's more important to you...having your child SURVIVE a boating accident and not drowning, or having to BURY your child because he 'didn't want to wear the pfd-it felt too confining'....

besides that...only TWO pfd's and FIVE people in the boat?