Under Texas boating laws, what is required of children under 13 years of age while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet long?

Children under 13 years of age are required by Texas boating laws to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet long. This regulation aims to enhance safety on the water, as children are particularly vulnerable to drowning in the event of an accident or unexpected situation. Wearing a properly fitted PFD ensures that the child has buoyancy and is less likely to be submerged in the water, significantly increasing their chances of survival if they fall overboard or if the vessel capsizes.

While supervision is crucial for the safety of children on vessels, and sitting in the cabin could be a safe practice in some contexts, the specific legal requirement focuses squarely on the necessity of wearing a PFD to protect young passengers on smaller craft. Helmets are not a standard requirement in boating safety as they are in other sports or activities. Thus, upholding the law regarding PFDs for children under 13 is an essential part of boating safety regulations in Texas.