NAC488.405. Life preservers: Number and types required.

     1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not use any vessel, regardless of its method of propulsion:

     (a) Which is less than 16 feet in length, unless there is at least one life preserver of type I, II or III on board for each person; or

     (b) Which is 16 feet or more in length, unless there is at least one life preserver of type I, II or III on board for each person and at least one life preserver of type IV on board.

     2. The requirements of subsection 1 do not apply to the operation of a racing shell, rowing scull, racing canoe or racing kayak which is:

     (a) Manually propelled;

     (b) Recognized by a national or international racing association for use in competitive racing; and

     (c) Designed to carry and does carry only equipment which is solely for competitive racing.

     3. The requirements of paragraph (b) of subsection 1 do not apply to a person who uses a canoe or kayak that is enclosed by a deck and spray skirt if:

     (a) The person has on board a life preserver of type I, II or III; or

     (b) The person wears a life preserver of type V special use approved for that use.

     4. On any vessel, a life preserver of type V special use or type V hybrid may be used in lieu of a life preserver of type I, II or III if it is approved by the United States Coast Guard and:

     (a) If it is of type V special use, is worn and used in accordance with the instructions marked on it.

     (b) If it is of type V hybrid, is worn while the vessel is underway, except when the user is in an enclosed space.

     5. For the purposes of this section, the types of life preservers are as follows:

     (a) Type I is a life preserver which has over 20 pounds of buoyant force and is designed to turn an unconscious person in water to a position where his or her face is out of the water;

     (b) Type II is a buoyant vest which has at least 15.5 pounds of buoyant force and is designed to turn an unconscious person in water to a position where his or her face is out of the water;

     (c) Type III is a buoyant vest or jacket which has at least 15.5 pounds of buoyant force but is not designed to turn an unconscious person in water;

     (d) Type IV is a throwable device, such as a ring buoy or buoyant cushion;

     (e) Type V hybrid is a personal flotation device which has 7.5 pounds of buoyant force when it is not inflated, and 22 pounds of buoyant force when it is inflated; and

     (f) Type V special use is a personal flotation device approved by the United States Coast Guard for a restricted use or activity.

     6. For the purposes of this section, a vessel is being used if the vessel:

     (a) Is upon the waters of this State, including, without limitation, if it is tied or fastened to a dock, mooring or shore; and

     (b) Is not aground on the shore.

     [Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, Motorboat Reg. No. 100 § 30, eff. 2-10-82]—(NAC A 1-1-83; 12-3-90; 11-23-94; R206-97, 6-19-98)