Children's Life Jackets - South Dakota

In South Dakota, children 7 years of age and under are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket or life vest when on a boat going faster than the slow-no-wake speed.

The life vest or life jacket should always be in good condition and fit the child properly. The exception would be if the child is below deck or in a completely enclosed cabin.

It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure the child's safety by requiring them wear an approved life jacket or life vest; but your boat insurance company and the USCG will expect you to comply with the boating safety regulations.