Ask a Conservation Officer

[Lee Borgersen]

                          Ask a Conservation Officer:

                              Equip boats with life jackets for all.

Apr 23, 2016

Q: I know there are different life jacket requirements depending on what size boat I am using. How do I know which type I need?

A: All waterfowl boats and watercraft, whether motorized boats, paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, stand-up paddleboards, wild rice boats or rowboats, must have at least one wearable life jacket for each person on board, appropriately sized to fit that person.
 
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In addition, boats 16 feet in length or longer must also carry at least one Type IV throwable PFD (seat cushion or ring-buoy style) that must be above deck and immediately available while on the water. Life jackets and PFDs must all be in serviceable condition.
Children on board the watercraft who are younger than 10 years old are required to wear their life jacket while on the water, but it is strongly encouraged that everyone on board wear theirs. For more information, look up the 2016 DNR Boating Guide at files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/boatwater/boatingguide.pdf or pick up a copy of the guide from your local sport shop or DNR office.