PFD's

Below are the rules and regulations regarding the use of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), as required by New York State law and the U.S. Coast Guard.

 

Legal Requirements for PFD Use in New York State

​

1. General Requirement:  
   All boats (including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and rowboats) must carry one U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable PFD per person on board. The PFD must be:
   - The correct size for the wearer
   - In good and serviceable condition
   - Readily accessible (not stored away or out of reach)

 

2. Children Under 12:  
   Children under the age of 12 must wear a properly fitted PFD at all times when on a boat that is under way, unless they are in a fully enclosed cabin.

 

3. Cold Weather Requirement:  
   Between November 1 and May 1, all operators and passengers in canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and paddleboards must wear a PFD at all times, regardless of age.

 

4. Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis, etc.):  
   All operators and passengers on a personal watercraft (PWC) must wear a Type I, II, or III PFD that is securely fastened.

 

5. Towed Activities:  
   Anyone being towed behind a boat (e.g., water skiing, tubing) must wear a Type I, II, or III PFD.

 

 

Understanding PFD Types

​

The U.S. Coast Guard classifies PFDs into several types, each designed for specific water activities and conditions. All PFDs used must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved.

​

Type I (Offshore Life Jacket) 

Designed for open, rough, or remote water where rescue may take time. Provides the most buoyancy and can turn unconscious wearers face-up. | Offshore boating, commercial vessels |

Type II (Near-Shore Buoyant Vest)

Good for calm, inland waters where quick rescue is likely. May turn some unconscious wearers face-up. Day boating, inland waters

Type III (Flotation Aid)

Comfortable for continuous wear. Designed for calm waters and conscious users. Not designed to turn an unconscious person face-up. Canoeing, kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding

Type IV (Throwable Device)

Not wearable. Meant to be thrown to someone in the water. Not suitable for unconscious persons or non-swimmers.  Required on boats 16 feet or longer (in addition to wearable PFDs) 

Type V (Special Use Device)

Designed for specific activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, or whitewater rafting. Must be worn at all times to be considered approved.  Activity-specific boating (check the label for details) 

​

Additional Notes

- Inflatable PFDs are allowed for adults only and must be worn to meet legal requirements.
- Always check your PFD's label to ensure it is U.S. Coast Guard-approved and appropriate for your planned activity.
- Regularly inspect PFDs for wear, damage, or missing parts.
- Replace any PFD that is not fully functional.

​

For more information, please visit the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Boating Safety page or contact your local boating authority.

​