32-1129. Personal flotation devices required, when; criminal penalty for violation. (a) (1) No operator of any vessel may operate such vessel while any person 12 years of age or under is aboard or being towed by such vessel unless such person is either:

(A) Wearing a United States coast guard-approved personal flotation device as prescribed in rules and regulations of the secretary of wildlife and parks; or

(B) is below decks or in an enclosed cabin.

(2) A life belt or ring shall not satisfy the requirement of this section.

(b) Violation of subsection (a) shall constitute a class C nonperson misdemeanor.

History: L. 1989, ch. 307, § 1; L. 2021, ch. 68, § 2; L. 2023, ch. 7, § 88; July 1.