4VAC15-430-30: Personal flotation devices required

A. Except as provided in 4VAC15-430-40, it shall be unlawful to use a recreational vessel unless:

1. At least one wearable PFD is on board for each person;

2. Each PFD is used in accordance with any requirements on the approval label; and

3. Each PFD is used in accordance with any requirements in its owner's manual if the approval label makes reference to such a manual.

B. Except as provided in 4VAC15-430-40, it shall be unlawful to use a recreational vessel of 16 feet or greater unless one throwable PFD is on board in addition to the total number of PFDs required in subsection A of this section.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 29.1-742 of the Code of Virginia, it shall be unlawful to operate a personal watercraft unless each person riding on the personal watercraft or being towed by it is wearing a wearable PFD that is approved for such activity.