← District of Columbia boating laws›Life Jacket Rules
District of Columbia Life Jacket Rules (2026)
Conditional: DC follows the federal rule: children under 13 must wear a USCG-approved life jacket when a recreational vessel is underway, except below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026
Boating rules change at the state line.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app and get an alert when you cross into a state where they differ. No account.Get the appDC follows the federal rule: children under 13 must wear a USCG-approved life jacket when a recreational vessel is underway, except below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
Official source: mpdc.dc.gov →
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