What is the age requirement for children to wear a life jacket while on board a vessel in Maine?

In Maine, the law requires that children who are 10 years old and younger must wear a life jacket while on board a vessel. This regulation is in place to ensure the safety of younger passengers in case of an accident or unexpected situation on the water. Life jackets significantly reduce the risk of drowning, providing essential flotation support should the child unexpectedly end up in the water.

This requirement is particularly critical because younger children may not have the swimming skills or the physical strength to stay afloat or swim to safety without a life jacket. By mandating that children 10 and under wear a life jacket, Maine's regulations support proactive measures for water safety among the most vulnerable boaters. Understanding this age requirement can help in effectively promoting safety practices when engaging in boating activities in Maine.