Life Jacket Law Stays Afloat in Washington

Boat/US Magazine, July, 1999

A bill passed in the Washington state legislature and signed by the governor establishes a children's life jacket law for boats under 19 feet. The bill will require children 12 years and younger to wear a life jacket while the boat is underway and makes Washington the 34th state to enact such legislation.

By mandating life jacket use among children, the bill's supporters hope to educate families about the important role life jackets play in keeping children safe when boating. The bill should go into effect later this summer, but proponents of the new law hope parents will begin complying immediately.