We recommend that everyone wear a life jacket at all times when near, on or in the water: when wading, swimming, fishing, boating or during any other water-related activity. You may not have time to put on your life jacket if you encounter a water hazard, slip while fishing or fall out of your vessel.

Is a life jacket required?

Life Jackets and the Law

Under California law, every child under 13 years of age on a moving recreational vessel of any length must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket in serviceable condition and of a type and size appropriate for the conditions and the activity.

What size boat do you not need a life jacket?

On all boats less than 4.8m (unless specified). Level 50S or greater at all times when: Boating between sunset and sunrise.