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