Effective January 1, 2026, children 12 years of age or younger, including a boat operator who is 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, according to Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, in a news release. 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. 

"Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife encourages everyone aboard a watercraft to always wear a life jacket," said MDIFW.

Additional laws regarding personal flotation device requirements can be found in the boating law book. 

More information

Maine Boating Laws and Rules

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Surface Use Restrictions

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