Do you have to wear a life jacket in SC while kayaking or paddle boarding? What the law says
Are people operating kayaks or paddle boards required to wear life jackets in South Carolina?
No.
But perhaps the better question is, should they?
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources says a robust yes to that question.
“Wearing a life jacket can save your life,” the agency says in describing state rules.
Most boating fatalities in South Carolina are caused when people fall overboard and 80% of them are not wearing life jackets.
The law does require anyone younger than 12 to wear a life jacket at all times in any watercraft 16 feet or shorter. It also says all boats must have a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard onboard for each passenger. And the vests must be readily accessible, which the law says means don’t put it in plastic bags or lock it in a closed compartment.
The law also says anyone operating, riding on, or being towed behind a jet ski must wear an approved life jacket or personal flotation device. Water skiers, too, must wear a life jacket.
Readily accessible means you must be able to put the PFD on in a reasonable amount of time in an emergency (vessel sinking, on fire etc.) PFD’s should never be stowed in plastic bags or locked in closed compartments.
A recently required label inside the life jacket has the U.S. Coast Guard approval number, which provides size information related to weight and chest size.
“The best way to make sure your life jacket fits snugly is to try it on,” DNR says. “Make sure you fasten all straps, buckles and zippers to ensure a secure fit.”
If your current life jacket does not have the new label, you can still use it if it’s in good condition and appropriate for the activity.
South Carolina’s law is on par with a majority of states. A few, such as Maine, Hawaii and California require life jackets for anyone operating any type of watercraft.
A study by the South Carolina Department of Public Health showed from 2019 to 2023, children ages 1 to 4 years old had the highest rate of drowning deaths at 3.4 per 100,000 population and the highest rate of nonfatal drowning-related emergency department visits at 28.5 per 100,000 population.
The Pee Dee region had the highest rate of drowning deaths (2.3 per 100,000 population) in the state, which was higher than the SC rate of 1.6 per 100,000 population.
This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Do you have to wear a life jacket in SC while kayaking or paddle boarding? What the law says."