North and South Carolina have different life jacket regulations.
It’s extremely important for Lake Wylie boaters to know the life jacket requirements of both North Carolina and South Carolina since encompasses both states.
Please note that life jackets may also be referred to as Personal Floatation Devices or PFD’s in the materials referenced below.
- North Carolina Life Jacket Regulations
- South Carolina Life Jacket Regulations
- Lake Wylie is also a federal waterway. If stopped by the US Coast Guard federal Life Jacket/PFD requirements apply. Personal Floatation Devices (PFD’s)
Law enforcement on Lake Wylie has extra territorial authority. G.S. 77-38 North Carolina General Statutes § 77-38. Authority of law enforcement officers and special officers. :: Chapter 77 — Rivers, Creeks, and Coastal Waters. :: 2005 North Carolina Code :: North Carolina Code :: U.S. Codes and Statutes :: U.S. Law :: Justia SC Code § 49-27-90 (2024
