Section R12-4-511. Personal Flotation Devices

A.      For the purpose of this Section, “wear” means:

1.        The personal flotation device is worn according to the manufacturer’s design or recommended use;

2.        All of the device’s closures are fastened, snapped, tied, zipped, or secured according to the manufacturer’s design or recommended use; and

3.        The device is adjusted for a snug fit.

B.       The operator of a canoe, kayak, or other watercraft  shall ensure the canoe, kayak, or other watercraft is equipped with at least one appropriately-sized, U.S. Coast Guard-approved, wearable personal flotation device that is in good and service- able condition for each person on board the canoe, kayak, or other watercraft. The operator of a canoe, kayak, or other watercraft shall also ensure the wearable personal flotation devices on board the canoe, kayak, or other watercraft are

readily accessible and available for immediate use. The fol- lowing wearable personal flotation devices are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard:

1.        Type I Personal Flotation Device: off-shore life jacket,

2.        Type II Personal Flotation Device: near-shore buoyancy vest,

3.        Type III Personal Flotation Device: flotation aid, and

4.        Type V Special Use Device.

C.      In addition to the personal flotation devices described under subsection (B), the operator of a watercraft that is 16 feet or more in length shall ensure the watercraft is also equipped with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type IV Personal Flotation Device: buoyant cushion, ring buoy, or horseshoe buoy. Canoes and kayaks are not subject to this subsection.

D.      The operator of a watercraft shall ensure an individual twelve years of age or under on board a watercraft shall wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved type I, II or III personal flotation device whenever the watercraft is underway.

E.       The operator of a personal watercraft shall ensure each indi- vidual aboard the personal watercraft is wearing a wearable personal flotation device approved by the U.S. Coast Guard whenever the personal watercraft is underway.

F.       Subsections (B), (C), and (D) do not apply to the operation of a racing shell or rowing skull during competitive racing or supervised training, if the racing shell or rowing skull is manu- ally propelled, recognized by a national or international asso- ciation for use in competitive racing, and designed to carry and does carry only equipment used solely for competitive racing.

Historical Note

Amended effective May 26, 1978 (Supp. 78-3). Former Section R12-4-80 renumbered as Section R12-4-511 without change effective August 13, 1981 (Supp. 81-4).

Amended effective May 27, 1992 (Supp. 92-2). Amended effective January 1, 1996; filed in the Office of the Secre- tary of State December 18, 1995 (Supp. 95-4). Amended by final rulemaking at 8 A.A.R. 3025, effective July 10, 2002 (Supp. 02-3). Amended by final rulemaking at 13

A.A.R. 4511, effective February 2, 2008 (Supp. 07-4). Amended by final rulemaking at 19 A.A.R. 597, effective

July 1, 2013 (Supp. 13-1).