DNR Question of the Week

[Lee Borgersen]

                                    DNR Question of the Week 

The DNR communications team works with agency experts to develop the weekly questions and provide the answers. This feature addresses current DNR issues, interesting topics, or the most frequently asked questions from around Minnesota.

6/2/14

Q: How many life jackets do I need in my boat, and am I required to wear one?

A: A readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is required for each person on all boats including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. A Type IV throwable device is also required on boats more than 16 feet.

Children under 10 years old must wear a life jacket while a boat is underway unless the child is in an enclosed cabin, aboard a passenger vessel operated by a licensed captain, or on a boat that is anchored for the purpose of swimming or diving. The life jacket also must be the appropriate size for the wearer.

- Kara Owens, DNR boat and water safety specialist

[HD]

This is also interpreted by the DNR officer.

The law states over 16....but, I have been stopped and was told 16 and over. So, my boat (being 16 foot) needed a throwable.