Ohio’s extensive network of waterways, from the vast shores of Lake Erie to the quiet currents of the Muskingum River, offers endless opportunities for recreational boating. However, these opportunities come with a foundational responsibility to prioritize safety, particularly regarding the use of life jackets, also known as Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). Ohio’s life jacket laws are established to prevent avoidable tragedies and are strictly enforced by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft.

For anyone operating a boat in Ohio, understanding the specific age requirements and carriage rules is not just a matter of safety—it is a legal mandate. A simple oversight, such as failing to ensure a child is properly fitted with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, can lead to significant legal penalties and, more gravely, unnecessary risk to human life. In the event of an accident, non-compliance with these safety standards can also become a central issue in personal injury litigation, affecting everything from liability determinations to the ability to recover damages.

Below is a comprehensive overview of Ohio's life jacket regulations, including the specific age thresholds for young passengers, requirements for different types of watercraft, and the overarching legal duties of boat operators. By staying informed on these state-specific statutes, you can ensure that your time on the water remains both safe and compliant with Ohio law.

What Are Ohio's General Life Jacket Carriage Requirements?

In Ohio, the law requires that every recreational vessel carry at least one wearable U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person on board. These devices must be in good, serviceable condition and must be an appropriate size for the intended wearer.

The law distinguishes between different sizes and types of vessels:

• Vessels 16 Feet or Longer: Must carry one wearable PFD for each person plus one Type IV throwable device (such as a ring buoy or cushion).
• Vessels Under 16 Feet, Canoes, and Kayaks: Must carry one wearable PFD for each person on board.
• Accessibility: Wearable life jackets must be "readily accessible," meaning they cannot be stored in locked compartments, plastic bags, or hidden under gear where they cannot be reached immediately in an emergency.

At What Age Must a Child Wear a Life Jacket in Ohio?

While adults are generally only required to have a life jacket available, Ohio law mandates that certain age groups must actively wear them while the vessel is underway.

The Under-10 Rule (ORC 1547.24)

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 1547.24, no person may operate a vessel less than 18 feet in length if there is a child under 10 years of age on board who is not wearing a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

• When Underway: This rule applies whenever the boat is moving or drifting and is not at anchor or securely moored.
• Proper Fit Check: The life jacket must be securely attached and correctly sized for the child's weight and chest size. A proper fit ensures the child's chin and ears do not slip through the neck opening when the jacket is pulled up by the shoulders.

Are There Specific Rules for Jet Skis and Water Sports?

High-risk water activities trigger even stricter life jacket requirements regardless of the participant's age.

Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Every person operating or riding on a PWC (such as a Jet Ski, Sea-Doo, or Waverunner) must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket at all times. Additionally, if the PWC has a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch, the operator must attach that lanyard to their person, clothing, or life jacket.

Towed Sports and Barefoot Skiing

• General Towed Activities: Anyone being towed behind a vessel on water skis, tubes, or similar devices must wear an approved Type I, II, or III life jacket.
• Barefoot Skiing: Barefoot skiers must wear an approved PFD or a wetsuit specifically designed for the activity. Operators are legally prohibited from towing any person who is not in compliance with these wear requirements.

What Are the Legal Consequences for Life Jacket Violations in Ohio?

The legal burden of safety falls squarely on the individual operating or permitting the operation of the vessel.

• Operator Citations: If a child is not wearing a life jacket as required, the operator—not the child—is the party subject to a citation. Penalties for minor infractions like missing safety gear typically result in fines, while more serious or repeat violations can lead to harsher penalties.
• Negligence and Civil Liability: In the event of a boating accident, a failure to adhere to life jacket laws serves as evidence of negligence. If an operator fails to provide accessible PFDs or enforce child wear requirements and a drowning occurs, they may be held liable in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
• Comparative Fault: Ohio follows a "modified comparative fault" rule. If an injured person was not wearing a life jacket when required, their compensation could be reduced by their percentage of fault; if they are found to be more than 50% at fault, they may be barred from recovering any damages.

Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help

Boating is a way of life in Ohio, but a single safety failure can lead to life-altering consequences. If you or a family member has been injured in a boating accident where safety regulations were ignored, you deserve an advocate who understands the complexities of Ohio’s maritime and personal injury laws.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we are committed to holding negligent operators accountable and securing the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and your recovery. Our firm offers a 12-hour callback guarantee to ensure you receive support when you need it most. We work on a contingency fee basis—no win, no fee—so you face no financial risk when seeking justice.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you turn your setback into a comeback.