← Virginia boating laws›Life Jacket Rules
Virginia Life Jacket Rules (2026)
Conditional: On federal waters (most Virginia waters) any child under 13 must wear a USCG-approved life jacket unless 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 appOn federal waters (most Virginia waters) any child under 13 must wear a USCG-approved life jacket unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
Official source: dwr.virginia.gov →
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