As boating season continues across South Carolina’s lakes and rivers, state and federal officials are reminding the public that life jackets aren’t just a smart safety precaution—they’re the law.
According to South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), all watercraft must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board or being towed. Life jackets must be in good condition, the correct size, and readily accessible.
Children under the age of 12 are required to wear a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) while on any boat less than 16 feet in length when the motor is running. For safety, officials recommend choosing children’s life jackets with a collar loop and a strap between the legs to ensure a secure fit.
“Even though adults are not required by law to wear a life jacket at all times, it’s always safest to do so,” said a representative from SCDNR. “A life jacket can’t save you if you’re not wearing it.”
State law also mandates that anyone riding or operating a personal watercraft, such as a jet ski, must wear a life jacket. The same requirement applies to anyone being towed behind a boat on skis, tubes, or other recreational devices.
Boats 16 feet or longer must also carry a Type IV throwable device in addition to individual PFDs. Failure to comply with life jacket laws can result in fines ranging from $25 to $200.
The U.S. Coast Guard urges boaters to routinely check the label, fit, and condition of all life jackets before heading out. A snug, damage-free jacket with secure fastenings is essential for proper flotation and safety in the water.
For more information on boating safety laws or to register for a certified boater education course, visit dnr.sc.gov/education/boated.html or call 800-277-4301.
