When is it legal to operate a boat without a personal flotation device?

The legal requirement regarding personal flotation devices (PFDs) is that they must be available for every person on board a vessel, regardless of the circumstances under which the boat is operated. In Tennessee, and many other jurisdictions, all boats must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person, making it never permissible to operate a boat without a personal flotation device for each occupant.

The rationale behind this law is to ensure safety on the water. Accidents can happen unexpectedly, and having life jackets readily available significantly increases the chances of survival in case of emergencies, such as capsizing or falling overboard. Thus, the obligation to have PFDs on board applies at all times and in all conditions, underscoring the importance of safety during boating activity.