What must all children under 13 be required to do on a boat?

The requirement for all children under the age of 13 to wear a life jacket at all times while on a boat is rooted in safety regulations designed to minimize the risk of drowning. Life jackets are key safety devices that provide buoyancy and help keep a person's head above water in case of an accident or unexpectedly falling overboard. This rule emphasizes the importance of proactive safety measures for children, who may not have the same swimming proficiency or awareness of dangers as adults.

While staying seated while the boat is moving, being accompanied by an adult, and using flotation devices only while swimming are all associated with safety practices, the specific mandate for children to wear life jackets at all times reinforces the idea that prevention is crucial. It ensures that young passengers are continually protected, even when they may not foresee an emergency situation arising.