Law on PFD

[potterspoint434]

Can someone show me where it says that you have to have or wear a PFD in a canoe or Kayak.
Its not that I want to argue the point I`m just trying to find the law. I checked with the Game and fish and they just address power boats.

[GutIt]

http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/stat ... ansas.html

http://www.boaterexam.com/usa/arkansas/pfd.aspx

http://www.boat-ed.com/ar/handbook/pfds.htm

This should 'splain! Quick google! No these are not official .gov sites.

Aside from the listed exceptions, nowhere have I ever seen that it is required to actually wear a PFD, including these sites. State as well as federal requirements. However, there are regs that state requirements for deployment, types, fit, etc. including Type IV throwables. The regs state ALL vessels over 16' must have one in serviceable condition. By the letter of the law, all means all.

No arguing the point. That is the law.

[potterspoint434]

I guess I`m looking for the law and explains canoe and kayak regulations.
I don`t think I have room for a throw ring in my 21ft kayak?
It just says vessel , I called the game and fish and they didn`t know

[Cowper]

Can someone show me where it says that you have to have or wear a PFD in a canoe or Kayak.

about page 989.

http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/bureau/Pu ... e%2027.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Have, Yes. Wear, No, with exceptions:

12 and younger (any type of boat), also PWC operators or passengers (any age), anyone being towed. Maybe one or two other categories. But unless I missed something, an adult in a canoe or kayak has to have a PFD accessible, but can make his/her own decision about whether or not to wear it.

[Wildwood]

From
http://users.mo-net.com/flotilla6/ar_laws.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
which is the USCG Auxiliary site

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs):

Boats under 16 feet in length, canoes and kayaks, must have one Type I, II or III PFD, in serviceable condition and of proper size for each person on board.
Boats 16 feet or longer must have one Type I, II or III PFD in serviceable condition and of proper size for each person and one Type IV throwable PFD in each boat.
Children under the age of 13 must wear a well-fitting PFD at all times while aboard a boat. The only exceptions are when they are within the enclosed area of a houseboat, cruiser or within the railings of a party barge while the boat is not underway.
No person shall operate a personal watercraft unless each person aboard is wearing Type I, II, III or V PFD approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Inflatable PFDs are not permitted.
Persons being towed on water skis, tubes or similar devices are required to wear a Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device. This does not apply to authorized water carnivals or exhibitions.

I hope this helps. I may have more . . .

Jan

[potterspoint434]

Thanks everyone for the help