Get a complete list of Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats from the USCG Boating Safety website.
Obtain a vessel safety checklist and learn about upcoming boating courses available for adults & children on the USCG Auxiliary website.
Learn about all of the fun ways that the North American Safe Boating council is promoting boating safety nation wide.
Wear It! Life Jackets are essential
A day out on the water is all about fun when you keep safety in mind. However, a wonderful day of boating could take an unexpected turn if you and your crew aren't safety-conscious. Fortunately, most states require children 13 and under to wear a life vest at all times.
(Check with your state boating safety officials to see if this is the law in your state)
The USCG estimated that two-thirds of all boating-related drowning of children ages 14 and under could have been prevented if the child was wearing their PFD.
Parents and caregivers YOU are in command, Show the kids that it's not a bad thing to have your life jacket on.
It's a fact - children are more likely to wear their PFD if parents and caregivers set the example by also wearing their PFD. The SAFE KIDS Campaign has done research that proves children whose parents wear life jackets around water are much more likely to want to wear their PFD without a fuss. For this reason, the USCG encourages adults to wear PFDs at all times while boating.
Luckily, with all of the latest technology available, there are plenty of nice fitting life jackets out there for adults and children. Here are a few life vests we found that will be fun for the kids to wear and comfortable too so it won't put a damper on anyones exciting day.
* Bennington does not endorse or recommend a particular life jacket style or brand name.
Kid's Character Life Vests
Kids love wearing these USCG-approved vests with their favorite characters!
Comfortable USCG-approved vests feature BARBIE¿, SCOOBY-DOO¿, Sponge Bob Squarepants¿ and SPIDER-MAN¿ having fun on the water. Multiple adjustable belts provide a secure, snug fit. Super-soft and flexible Crosstech® Flotation Foam won't inhibit movement for non-restrictive, all-day wear. Fast-drying, abrasion-resistant shell.
- Intended Use: Recreational boating
- Warranty: Three years
- Flotation Material: Crosstech® Flotation Foam
- Shell Fabric: 200 Denier nylon
- Straps: 1" webbing
- Closure: Delrin buckles
O NEILL Water sports Vest
Designed with the same attention to fit and quality as their adult vests, O'Neill's lightweight Youth, Child, and Infant vests offer minimal bulk and mesh drainage so your kids won't get bogged down while wearing them. Quick-Release buckles make them easy to get on and off. Overlock-stitched with bullet-proof seams for outstanding durability without compromising comfort.
- USCG Type: III (Infant size: Type II)
- Intended Use: Recreational boating
- Features: Lightweight, quick-drying; UV protection; Mesh drainage
- Flotation Materials: Fluid Foam
- Shell Fabric: 200D Nylon
- Straps: 2, 1" webbing
- Closure: Quick-Release Buckles; Zipper
- Warranty: One year
Women's Coastal Automatic Inflatable Life Vest
Shaped for women, this lightweight inflatable PFD offers extra comfort features for extended wear on the water. A smooth neoprene collar minimizes chafe and the slim profile offers a comfortable, unobtrusive fit. A front zip pocket allows storage of essentials like lip balm or sunscreen and features reflective trim on the cover. Includes 1"W webbing, Delrin buckle and D-ring.
- Color: Periwinkle/Gray
- Buoyancy: 29lb.
- Activation Method: Automatic
- Inflator Type: Halkey Roberts V9000 6F
- UCGG: Type V with Type III performance: This vest must be worn to be counted in vessel's inventory of PFDs
- Shroud/Pouch Material: 420-denier nylon, yellow urethane-coated nylon bladder
- Closure: Delrin buckle
- Range of Adjustment: 30"- 52"
- Service Interval: Two years
Comfort Series¿ Automatic Inflatable Life Vest
This automatic inflatable vest has an open design that lies away from your neck for a less restrictive fit and it's lighter weight to promote maximum movement, allowing you to comfortably wear it all day onboard. Includes D-ring, back-up oral inflation tube and one arming cylinder and pin.
- Buoyancy: 22.5lb.
- Inflator Type: Halkey-Roberts V8500 6F
- USCG Type: Type V with Type III performance: This vest must be worn to be counted in vessel's inventory of PFDs
- Shroud/Pouch Material and Color(s): 200 Denier nylon, urethane coated yellow nylon bladder
- Closure: Delrin® buckles
- Range Of Adjustment: 30"- 52" adjustable chest straps
- Service Interval: Two years