Arizona Administrative Code
Title 12 - NATURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 4 - GAME AND FISH COMMISSION
Article 5 - BOATING AND WATER SPORTS
Section R12-4-511 - Personal Flotation Devices

Universal Citation: AZ Admin Code R 12-4-511

Current through Register Vol. 30, No. 38, September 20, 2024

A. For the purpose of this Section, "wear" means:

1. The personal flotation device is worn according to the manufacturer's design or recommended use;

2. All of the device's closures are fastened, snapped, tied, zipped, or secured according to the manufacturer's design or recommended use; and

3. The device is adjusted for a snug fit.

B. The operator of a canoe, kayak, or other watercraft shall ensure the watercraft is equipped with at least one correctly-sized, U.S. Coast Guard-approved, wearable personal flotation device that is in good and serviceable condition for each person on board the watercraft. The operator of any watercraft shall also ensure the wearable personal flotation devices on board the watercraft are readily accessible and available for immediate use.

C. In addition to the personal flotation devices described under subsection (B), the operator of a watercraft that is 16 feet or more in length shall ensure the watercraft is also equipped with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved throwable personal flotation device: buoyant cushion, ring buoy, or horseshoe buoy. Canoes and kayaks are not subject to this subsection.

D. The operator of a watercraft shall ensure a person twelve years of age or under on board a watercraft shall wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device whenever the watercraft is underway.

E. The operator of a personal watercraft shall ensure each person aboard the personal watercraft is wearing a wearable personal flotation device approved by the U.S. Coast Guard whenever the personal watercraft is underway.

F. Subsections (B), (C), and (D) do not apply to the operation of a racing shell or rowing skull during competitive racing or supervised training, if the racing shell or rowing skull is manually propelled, recognized by a national or international association for use in competitive racing, and designed to carry and does carry only equipment used solely for competitive racing.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Arizona may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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