Are Life Jackets Required for Tubing?

While being out on the water is meant to be fun – and often is – it is crucial that all the proper precautions are taken so that everyone can have a fun and safe time. When it comes to watersports (like tubing), a life jacket should always be worn out on the water. This is especially important if the rider falls off the tube.

For tubing specifically, it is recommended that a type III life jacket is worn. These life jackets are highly encouraged for watersports and personal watercraft because they are extremely durable and have multiple buckles that will help keep the vest on when hitting the water. A type III personal floatation device is required to have more than 15.5 lbs of buoyancy. This is the same as a type II device; however, a type III has less turning ability and is more comfortable to wear.

Who is required to wear a life jacket?

Federally, all children under 13 years of age must wear a personal floatation device in states that have no active laws. However, if the state has a specific law in regards to life vests, the U.S. Coast Guard’s law does not supercede the state law – it is just there to protect. The range of ages for life vests is six to 16 years old – varying state by state. For instance, Tennessee requires all children 12 and under to wear a personal floatation device and all boats to have one available for everyone on board. Some states also have specific approved types of vests. Tennessee’s approved styles consist of U.S. Coast Guard approved type I, II, III, and V. If you’re looking for your state’s requirements, this detailed guide to state life jacket requirements may be helpful.

Benefits of wearing a life jacket while tubing

While it might not always seem cool or fun to wear a life vest, there are a variety of benefits to wearing one. First, wearing a life jacket can prevent 90% of boating related drownings. They also can reduce the initial shock when hitting the water. If you are out in colder water, wearing a life jacket can help prevent hypothermia if you happen to fall in (they also can help keep you warm in general). When in the water, if you are face down, the life vest can help turn you right side up and keep you safe. Especially if someone is not a strong swimmer, a life vest will still allow them to enjoy the water without worrying.

The above reasons also apply to when tubing. While this sport is exhilarating, it is a common occurrence that someone can fall off the tube. When they hit the water, the vest will help brace their fall, as well as keep them above the water.

All in all, when deciding on which life jacket to wear for tubing, one should make sure to look up their state's rules and regulations in regards to what is to be worn out on the water and the age requirement. Additionally, they need to be properly fitting – remember that adult life jackets are not meant to fit children. A snug-fitting life vest that clips in multiple places is highly recommended for tubing because they are less likely to slide up over the rider's head or off of their body entirely.

If you are new to the tubing world, be sure to check out some tubing tips and safety recommendations for beginners. Be sure to remember to have fun too while you are at it. Following all of the safety precautions will not only keep everyone safe, but ensure a much more fun time without worrying.