An Act To Require A Person Operating A Watercraft For Recreational Purposes To Ensure All Passengers Under 13 Years Of Age Wear Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Devices

This bill requires anyone operating a recreational watercraft in Maine to ensure all passengers under 13 wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets while on board, whether the vessel is moving or not. It directly affects boat operators, parents, and guardians of children under 13 during recreational water activities. Exceptions apply to youth camp-owned canoes and log rafts under specific conditions. Violations start as civil violations, but repeated offenses within five years may escalate to a Class E crime. The law aims to improve water safety for young passengers without altering existing recreational boating rules.