← Washington boating laws›Life Jacket Rules
Washington Life Jacket Rules (2026)
Conditional: In Washington, children 12 and younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket at all times when underway in a vessel less than 19 ft, unless in a fully enclosed area.
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 appIn Washington, children 12 and younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket at all times when underway in a vessel less than 19 ft, unless in a fully enclosed area.
Official source: parks.wa.gov →
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