Connecticut looks over the beautiful east coast, and boasts over 3,000 lakes, ponds and reservoirs. Visitors and residents alike love to take advantage of the gorgeous waterlines available in our state.
When you go out for a summer swim or cruise in your boat, though, be sure that you are familiar with the life jacket safety laws.
Unsure about life jacket regulations? Our attorneys at Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, are ready to provide personalized guidance. Call 203-902-7521 today for a consultation.
Connecticut laws on wearing life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFD)
According to Connecticut’s official state website, everyone on boats, such as kayaks, canoes and rowboats, must wear a life jacket or PFD approved by the U.S. Coast Guard from October 1st to May 31st. Manually propelled vessels rely on paddles or oars, not motors, which makes them more prone to capsizing.
Children 12 years old and younger must wear a life jacket whenever the boat is moving unless they are below deck or inside a cabin. This ensures their safety when the boat is not anchored or tied up.
Throughout the year, the following rules apply:
- All vessels must carry a wearable PFD for every person on board: In any watercraft, there must always be at least one life jacket available for every person on board, no matter their age. This means that they must be readily accessible and worn by those whom the law requires. Vessels 16 feet or longer must also carry a throwable Type IV PFD.
- People must choose and wear the right PFD: Adults typically require seven to 12 extra pounds of buoyancy to safely stay above water. When selecting a size and style of life jacket, it’s important that you read the label to find one that will sufficiently protect you, depending on your weight and size. To quickly tell if a life jacket works for you, read the label and ensure that it is snug and cannot go past your ears when fastened.
- Inflatables are only permitted for certain activities: Lightweight, inflatable life jackets can be worn by people over the age of 16 and over 90 pounds during activities that are not high-speed water sports (water skiing, jet skiing, etc.).
- Anyone 12 years and under must always wear a life jacket while on a watercraft: This rule does not vary depending on whether they know how to swim. It is smart for all passengers, including those above the age of 12 and especially those who are not strong swimmers, always to wear life jackets.
If you are unsure if you are properly following Connecticut’s life jacket laws, always make sure that everyone has life jackets readily available. Then, talk to those who sell flotation devices to ensure that everyone has the proper size and style for their weight and activity.
Protect your rights after an accident
If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to noncompliance with life jacket laws, our experienced personal injury attorneys at Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. Call us at 203-902-7521 or send your questions through our online form.
