What must every person on a personal watercraft wear?

Every person on a personal watercraft is required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket because safety is the primary concern when operating or riding on these types of vessels. Life jackets are designed to provide buoyancy and keep individuals afloat in the water, significantly reducing the risk of drowning in the event of an accident or if someone falls overboard. The U.S. Coast Guard sets specific standards for life jackets, ensuring they meet safety requirements for flotation and durability, making them essential for anyone engaging in water sports or recreation on personal watercraft.

While wearing a hat, wetsuit, or sun protection gear can enhance comfort and provide protection from the elements, they do not serve the critical function of ensuring a person’s immediate safety in the water. Therefore, while helpful, those items are not mandated by law for personal watercraft passengers as life jackets are.