Texas Life Jacket Laws

[skiswm]

One other thing people often forget make sure the lifejacket is USCG approved, there are some on the market that are not. If you get pulled over and don't have a USCG approved jacket you'll probably get the ticket. I wouldn't imagine skiing/boarding w/out a jacket on, almost like wearing a seat belt to me.

[east tx skier]

I have skied in a non approved vest for years. It's a trade off. It is not without flotation. What I'm trying to avoid is busted ribs from having two much bulk slam me in a bad fall. The impact vest has saved my ribs on at least three occasions.

[AirTool]

Re: RE: Re: RE: Texas Life Jacket Laws

But I still don't think he has to wear an approved vest while skiing. Just misunderstood what you were getting at.

I agree. I can't find anywhere that the 13 and over person being towed by a boat needs to wear a pfd at all...just needs one USCG PFD in the boat.

Thats how one (13 and over) can get away with a non-USCG vest while towed.

[djbartholomew]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Texas Life Jacket Laws

Here in Illinios you are 13 and under you have to have a jacket on and this lake you have to have a highly visable hat on if you are being towed by a boat, but not required if swimming off of the boat.

[MichaelD]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Texas Life Jacket Laws

Regarding the earlier post about being 5 lbs to heavy, but fitting.
So long as the kid still floats in it, I'd rather have the kid wearing one that fits, but they are a tad overweight for than one that could come off if they fell out the boat or fell while skiing. One that fits comfortable enough where the kid won't take it off is also important.

In many states, it is perfectly legal for someone over 13 (or is it 13+) to ski w/o any type of PFD behind a BOAT (non-PWC). I won't ski, nor will I pull someone not wearing a PFD. It is plain stupid to get behind a boat & not have some flotation on. I understand there are many justifiable cases for the flotation not to be USCG approved (barefoot suits come to mind). As I've started skiing harder this year, my current USCG approved PFD has been giving me issues, and I'll be considering the USCG as well as non-USCG approved ones when I search for a replacement.

Regarding towing with PWC's: The skier/rider is legally an occupant of the PWC. If you've got a 2 seater (per capacity label), it is illegal to have a driver, spotter, and skier/boarder. Skier/Boarder's PFD generally must be USCG approved as well.