SUBJECT: # 32959: Are kids required to wear life vests in Florida?

Submitted by Rd (205.188.199.187) from FLORIDA on 12/17/2000 6:16:00 PM

Trying to settle a debate. I thought kids had to wear life vests if under a certain age (don't know the age). If this true? Fresh water too?

thanks

1. 12/17/2000 6:52:00 PM Submitted by BigTom (63.25.151.53) from FLORIDA says pfd
   Any child under the age of six, while on a boat under 26', while underway, must wear an approved PFD. Salt or fresh does not make a difference.

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2. 12/18/2000 9:09:00 AM Submitted by Capt Ken Roy (205.160.242.178) from FLORIDA says Florida Fish and Wildlife web site has the straight skinney.
   Big Tom is correct. Go to this site for all Florida boating and fishing info. They offer a course that you can take that will make you a better and safer boater.

   Request this course at

   http://www.state.fl.us/gfc/

   The course manual is a great little book. Every boater should be required to take the test every few years. If you really study this manual and know it well, you could probably pass the USCG exam for OUPV.(6-pac. Charter boat capt.)

   Floida has some absolutely wonderful publications that are available from the above site. The art work in these publications is incredible. The fish ID book is the best I have seen. Best of all, they are free.

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