(A) It is unlawful to operate any watercraft less than 16 feet in length or a canoe or kayak unless at least one Coast Guard approved PFD of the following types or their equivalent is on board for each person.
(1) Type I. A Type I personal flotation device is a U.S. Coast Guard approved device designed to turn an unconscious person in the water from a face downward position to a vertical or slightly backward position and to have more than 20 pounds buoyancy.
(2) Type II. A Type II personal flotation device is a U.S. Coast Guard approved device designed to turn a person in the water from a face downward position to a vertical or slightly backward position and to have at least 15 pounds of buoyancy.
(3) Type III. A Type III personal flotation device is a U.S. Coast Guard approved device designed to keep a conscious person in a vertical or slightly backward position and to have at least 15 pounds of buoyancy.
(4) Type IV. A Type IV personal flotation device is a U.S. Coast Guard approved device designed to be thrown to a person in the water, and not worn. It is designed to have at least 16 pounds of buoyancy.
(5) Type V. A Type V personal flotation device is an approved device for restricted use and is acceptable only when used in the activity for which it is approved.
(B) No person may use a watercraft 16 feet or more in length unless at least one Coast Guard approved PFD of the following types or their equivalent is on board for each person: Type I, Type II, or Type III.
(C) No person may operate a personal watercraft or specialty prop-craft unless each person aboard is wearing a Type I, Type II, Type III, or Type V PFD approved by the United States Coast Guard.
(D) No person may use a watercraft 16 feet or more in length, except a canoe or kayak, unless at least one Type IV Coast Guard approved PFD or its equivalent is on board in addition to the PFDs required in subsection (B) of this section.
(E) When assisting a person on water skis, aquaplane, or similar device, there must be one U.S. Coast Guard approved lifesaving device on board for each person being assisted or towed.
(F) No person may use a watercraft unless each device required by this section is:
(1) Readily accessible;
(2) In serviceable condition;
(3) Of the appropriate size for the person for whom it is intended; and
(4) Legibly marked with the U.S. Coast Guard approved number.
(1977 Code, § 3:5-2) (Ord. passed 8-11-1992) Penalty, see § 73.999