Life Jacket For Kids Question - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

Bucktailboys.com · #1 06-08-2014, 05:18 PM

Taking my 8 year old son on a private boat (not a charter) fishing the back bay. Just wondering if he needs to wear the life jacket the entire time. Would you recommend a certain name brand or style?

Thanks for the help.

tropics · #2 06-08-2014, 06:13 PM

Better safe then sorry, he may be a little uncomfortable but you, can judge the situation as for the weather and sea conditions.Be safe.
Have fun enjoy the day.

Reelron · #3 06-08-2014, 06:14 PM

I believe he does. http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/info/pdf...ety-manual.pdf Page 15,

Bucktailboys.com · #4 06-08-2014, 10:28 PM

Thanks guys, just read pg. 15 and looks like he has to. With that said can anyone recommend one that may not be so "bulky" so he can enjoy fishing.

Thanks again!

Keefe

Katie'sKatch · #5 06-09-2014, 09:28 AM

I don't know a brand or style to get but I just took my son to west marine with me let him try a bunch on too see what he felt good wearing. He is 5 he fishes with me all the time he knows when he hits the dock it's the first thing he ask for is were is his life jacket when it's hot out they don't like it much but its better too be safe then sorry there are too many big boats that blow right by us guys on small boats it can get rough for the little guy some times.
Good luck be safe get him on some big fish it's the best.

Capt. Debbie · #6 06-09-2014, 11:28 AM

There's a large commercial boat exception that likely does not fit.

In NJ all kids 12 and under must wear while on open deck AND when underway. In NY it's age 11 and under.

Underway means free to move. SO if anchored no PFD required by LAW. Also they can not wear an inflatable PFD until age 16.

BEST PFD... let them pick it out. They will love to wear it then. Never fails on that method.