Video: Missouri PFD Requirements for PWC
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Video Transcript
Rob
All right. So I love to ski. I love to ride Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, personal watercraft, right? What laws are there specifically for life jackets and those type of vessels?
Officer Davis
Missouri law says that anybody aboard a personal watercraft—whether it be the operator, passengers—everybody aboard, no matter what your age, is required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket. I would highly recommend your Type III or your ski vest. It’s going to be your most comfortable when you’re out there. One of things I do want to mention, that I see frequently, is that people don’t take the time to properly buckle and fasten them. And if you’re involved in a crash, or you fall off and are injured, and it’s not buckled, it’s going to do you no good. And unfortunately, we have had people drown because of that reason. When it comes to skiing in Missouri, I’d also recommend everybody wear some type of personal flotation device just because it is a high-risk sport, and there’s a lot of chance of injury occurring. If you don’t wear one—I’ve never seen anybody in Missouri not wear one—but make sure there is always one aboard the boat, if you chose to not wear one.
Rob
It seems like common sense to wear a life jacket for those things.
Officer Davis
Absolutely.
Rob
But it’s good to know. Thanks.
