New age requirement for personal flotation devices (life jackets)

Effective January 1, 2026, children 12 years of age or younger, must wear a United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) while on any watercraft that is underway and being used for recreational purposes. Exceptions to this requirement include if the child is below the decks, in an enclosed cabin or if the watercraft has a USCG certificate of inspection.

This change, initiated and passed by the Maine State Legislature, increased the required age from 10 years of age or younger to 12 years of age or younger to improve youth safety on Maine's waters. The updated age requirement now aligns with federal law. 

Life jackets for kids have always been available on all of our trips and are now required for kids under 13.

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