Texas Life Jacket Laws (2026): Your Complete Safety Guide
Most people think life jacket laws are optional. They’re not. In Texas, these laws are serious business. And honestly, they exist for a really good reason. Let’s break down what you actually need to know.
Whether you’re heading out on a lake, river, or the coast, understanding Texas life jacket requirements could save your life. Or your wallet. We’ll cover both.
What Exactly Is a Life Jacket?
Okay, first things first. A life jacket isn’t just any floaty thing. It’s a specific piece of equipment that meets U.S. Coast Guard standards.
The Coast Guard has strict rules about what counts as a life jacket. Your inflatable unicorn pool float? Not a life jacket. An actual approved personal flotation device (PFD)? That’s the real deal.
A real life jacket will have a label inside. That label shows it meets Coast Guard standards. Pretty straightforward, right?
Basic Texas Life Jacket Laws
You Must Have One on Board
Here’s the first rule: if you’re operating a boat in Texas, you must have a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every single person on board. Not just one to share. One per person.
Think of it like seatbelts in a car. You wouldn’t have one seatbelt for five people. Same logic applies on the water.
The law doesn’t say you have to wear it. It says you have to have it available. But stay with me here—there’s more to this.
Children Under 13 Must Wear Theirs
This is where things get serious. If you have a child under 13 on your boat, they must actually wear a life jacket. Not just have one nearby. Wear it.
You’re not alone if this surprises you. Most people don’t realize how strict this rule is. But Texas takes it seriously because drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for kids that age.
A child’s life jacket needs to fit properly. Too loose and it won’t work. Too tight and they might take it off. Get the fit right.
Jet Ski and Personal Watercraft Rules
Operating a jet ski or personal watercraft comes with extra requirements. You must wear a life jacket while riding one. Seriously. No exceptions.
This isn’t like boating where you can sit around without one. Jet skis require active wearing of your PFD. The law is clear on this.
Also, you need to be at least 16 years old to operate a jet ski in Texas. And if you’re under 18, you need a boating safety certificate. Not sure about that certificate thing? That’s actually important.
Who Needs What and When
Commercial Vessel Rules
Running a commercial boat in Texas? Different rules apply. You need more life jackets than passengers. Specific numbers depend on vessel size and type.
Your crew needs training too. They have to know where life jackets are and how to help passengers. This makes sense when you think about it—they’re responsible for people.
Coast Guard inspections happen regularly. You better be compliant. Non-compliance can shut down your entire operation.
Sailboats Have Their Own Deal
Sailboat owners, pay attention. The rules for you are a little different. You still need Coast Guard-approved PFDs for everyone aboard.
But here’s where it gets interesting. If your sailboat is 16 feet or longer, you need specific types of flotation equipment. It’s basically the same idea but with different variations available.
Honestly, this is the part most people miss. Sailboat rules seem simpler, but they have their own quirks.
Fishing Boats and Party Boats
Fishing charters and party boats operating in Texas have strict requirements. These are commercial operations, so they’re inspected regularly.
Deck crews on these boats need to know where everything is. They need to be able to help passengers quickly. Safety training is mandatory.
If something goes wrong, the captain is responsible. This is serious stuff. Make sure your charter boat follows all the rules.
Penalties and What Happens If You Break the Rules
Fines for Not Having a Life Jacket
Get caught without life jackets on board? You’re looking at a fine. For a first offense, this can range from $50 to $500. Second offense? The penalty increases.
Operating without the required number of life jackets is different. That fine is higher. We’re talking potential fines up to $1,000 or more depending on circumstances.
These aren’t just warnings either. These are actual criminal penalties. It goes on your record.
Special Rules for Kids
Not having a proper life jacket for a child under 13? That’s a separate violation. The penalties are steeper because it involves child safety.
You could face fines. You could face charges. This isn’t something officers take lightly.
In extreme cases—like a child drowning incident where life jackets weren’t provided—you could face serious criminal charges. We’re talking potential jail time. That’s how serious this gets.
Other Consequences Beyond Fines
A boating violation can affect your driving record. Yes, your actual driver’s license record. That can impact insurance rates.
It can also affect your ability to get boating licenses renewed. You might lose your captain’s license. Some violations bar you from operating boats.
There’s more. If an accident happens and life jackets should have been worn, you could be liable for injuries. We’re talking civil lawsuits. Medical bills. Damage claims. These add up fast.
Special Situations and Exceptions
Fishing with Special Exceptions
Texas allows some exceptions for fishing in certain situations. But here’s the thing—the exception doesn’t mean you can skip life jackets. It means something slightly different.
Basically, you still need them. The exception is more about where you can fish and under what conditions. Not about eliminating safety equipment.
When in doubt, bring life jackets. Seriously. Don’t try to find loopholes. The penalty isn’t worth it.
Boat Docking and Being Stationary
Do you need life jackets when the boat is tied up at the dock? Technically, no. Once you’re stationary and secured at the dock, the rules change.
But here’s my honest take: if you’re on any boat on water, you should have them accessible. A boat can come loose. Accidents happen fast.
Most experienced boaters keep life jackets available even when docked. It’s just smart thinking.
Natural Disasters and Emergency Situations
If your boat is damaged or you’re in an emergency, some rules can be adjusted. But you still need to take reasonable safety precautions.
You can’t use an emergency as an excuse to operate without life jackets. That’s not how it works. Get your boat properly equipped first.
If you’re in an actual rescue situation, Coast Guard personnel will help. But normal boating? No emergency exception.
Types of Life Jackets and Choosing the Right One
Types the Coast Guard Approves
There are five types of Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Type I is offshore life jackets—used for deep water and rough conditions. Type II is near-shore buoyant vests. Type III is flotation aids (the most common for recreational boating). Type IV is throwable devices. Type V is special use devices.
For most Texas recreational boating, Type III is what you’ll use. It’s comfortable to wear. It’s approved for calm and moderate waters. It’s accessible.
Type I is overkill for most of us. Type II is decent. Type IV (ring buoys) are backup options. Type V varies widely.
Making Sure You Have the Right Fit
Your life jacket needs to fit properly. Too big and it rides up over your head. Too small and it doesn’t provide proper flotation.
Check the label. It shows weight range and size. Your jacket should be rated for your body weight. Don’t assume. Check it.
Kids especially need proper-fitting jackets. A jacket rated for adults won’t work for a 7-year-old. It defeats the purpose.
Try them on in the store if possible. Make sure shoulder straps fit snugly. Make sure the waist straps secure properly. Movement should feel natural but not too loose.
Inflatable Versus Foam-Filled
Inflatable life jackets are lighter and less bulky. They’re easier to store on boats. They feel less cumbersome to wear.
But they require maintenance. You need to check the air regularly. If they puncture, they fail. They also don’t work for young children in some cases.
Foam-filled jackets are more reliable. They don’t deflate. They don’t require checking. They’re bulkier though. Some people find them uncomfortable.
Honestly? For Texas boating, a traditional foam-filled Type III is your safest bet. Yes, it’s less fashionable. Yes, it takes up space. Yes, it can feel uncomfortable. But it works. Reliably.
How to Stay Compliant
Before You Head Out
Do this every single time: Count your passengers. Count your life jackets. These numbers should match.
Check each jacket for damage. Look for tears or punctures. Make sure straps work. Do quick inflation checks on inflatables.
Look at the label inside. Make sure it’s Coast Guard-approved. If you can’t see a label, that jacket isn’t approved. Don’t use it.
Tell your passengers where life jackets are. Show them how to put them on. Young children should practice in calm conditions on shore first.
During Your Boating Trip
Keep life jackets accessible. Not locked in a cabin. Not buried under gear. Actually accessible.
If weather changes or conditions get rough, have everyone put them on. Don’t wait for an emergency. Prevention is always better.
Watch for signs of struggle in the water. Keep a first aid kit on board. Know CPR. These things save lives.
Stay sober. Most boating accidents involve alcohol. Seriously. It’s the number one factor.
Documentation and Records
Keep records of life jacket inspections. Write down when you bought them. Note any repairs. Keep receipts.
If you’re operating a commercial boat, documentation is required. You need inspection records. You need maintenance logs. Keep everything organized.
These records can protect you legally. If something happens and you can prove proper maintenance, that helps your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a life jacket if I’m just sitting in my boat? You need to have Coast Guard-approved life jackets on board for everyone. Wearing one is required for children under 13 and anyone operating a jet ski. For adults on regular boats, wearing is recommended but not legally required—though it’s honestly the smartest choice.
Can I use an old life jacket? If it’s Coast Guard-approved and in good condition, yes. Check the label inside for approval. If it’s damaged, torn, or missing the label, don’t use it. Replace old jackets that show wear.
What if my child refuses to wear their life jacket? That’s between you and your child, but legally? You must make sure they’re wearing it. If an officer spots a child without one, you get the fine and the violation. Make it non-negotiable. Turn it into a fun habit early.
Do stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) require life jackets? Yes. Any vessel on water in Texas requires Coast Guard-approved life jackets on board. If you’re under 13, you must wear yours. Adults should wear theirs—SUP accidents happen surprisingly often.
What should I do if someone falls overboard? First, call for help immediately. Throw a life jacket or flotation device if someone can grab it. If they’re conscious, help them get to safety. Start CPR if needed. Call 911. Don’t jump in after them unless you’re trained—you could become another victim.
Final Thoughts
Life jacket laws in Texas aren’t complicated. They’re straightforward. Have the right equipment. Make sure it fits. Make sure kids wear theirs. That’s basically it.
These laws exist because they work. Life jackets save lives. Seriously. They’re not just equipment. They’re the difference between going home to your family and not.
Respect the water. Respect the rules. And whenever you’re on a boat in Texas, remember: the best life jacket is the one you actually wear. Stay safe out there.
References
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – Boating Safety Laws
U.S. Coast Guard – Personal Flotation Devices
Texas Water Safety Information