On the water!

[3 Squids]

Originally Posted by Troutkiller2006

you sure about not needing the life vest on when anchored? here its all people 12 years and under must have a vest on at all times on all vessels under 26'. unless i reading it wrong. i woulda thought cg regs were federal and wouldnt vary state to state. my boy is 10 and swims like a fish. belongs to a local swim team and thinks he dont need to wear one cause they so cumbersome. and i dont blame him when we fishing. but i make him wear it in the harbor and when underway. we keep an eye out for marine patrol when fishing.

gonna look at that reg again cause we always thought it was funny that when we jump out the boat for a swim or to cool off he doesnt need it. but as soon as he gets back in the boat hes gotta put it on

This is copied and pasted from VaDGIF's website:

Federal Life Jacket Rule for Children Under 13 Years Old—No person may operate a recreational vessel on federal waters with any child under age 13 on the vessel unless each child is either:

Wearing an appropriate life jacket approved by the Coast Guard; or
Below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

Key word here is Operated. I had a coast guard guy test drive my boat I had for sale and I asked him to clear this up for me that there's no loopholes or anything and he assured me that as long as the vessel isn't being operated a child doesn't have to have one on.