Anglers Using Some Float Tubes Need Life Jackets

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For years boat operators have been required to carry a life jacket for each person on board the boat.   Children under 12 years of age must wear their life jacket.  

In recent years, new technology has provided anglers with smaller floating devices, known as “float tubes” and “belly boats,” to access their fishing spots.   Float tubes and belly boats are not classified as a vessel, so anglers who use them are not required to carry a life jacket.

Now anglers are using small pontoons that are propelled by oars for transportation to their fishing holes.   People using these types of vessels are required to carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, according to Ron Jendro, FWP Montana boating law administrator.

  “If a fisherman is sitting above the water, and the vessel is designed to be rowed or paddled, then a life jacket is required on the vessel,” Jendro said. “All float tube and belly boat users are encouraged to wear life jackets.”

For more information on boating laws, contact the nearest FWP regional office.