i was at lake fork during the holiday noticed young kids without life jackets own while fishing in boat along the shore line. what are the rules on kids fishing in a boat i thought it was lif jackets on at all times?

Texas law requires all children under 13 years of age to wear a USCG�approved PFD while underway (not at anchor, moored, or aground) on a vessel less than 26 feet long.

My kids wear theirs at all times.

mine dont take theres off.

Mine fishes fine with his on...

My little girl is wearing hers 100% of the time.

Yes...very good observation. I was witness to the very thing and my blood was boiling. People are oblivious to the dangers unfortunately. I was also pretty angry over the countless 7-10 year olds wading out into belly deep water with no pfd's around the SRA area. Winds were strong on Saturday and anything can happen. Very grateful that nobody was injured or worse....

My five year old son wears his even when we are dock fishing.

I have no kids but my nephew wears his (4 year old)... Last time I took him and my mom and sister out to let them do a little perch jerkin it wasn't long and he fell in the lake.... Not really funny but you can only tell them so many times before you have to just let them learn the hard way...lol

3 year old boy and 8 year old girl. Both can swim but anytime we are at the lake they are full time life jackets. Do not understand why anyone would risk it. We have bought all size and style jackets just so they are comfortable while having proper fit. Cheap insurance to me.

This is the rule to each his own mine keeps hers on.

To clarify...this means they must have it on at all times unless anchored or parked on the shore. It doesn't mean they can take it off when the motor isn't cranked like we can in a tournament.

Basically they must wear it all the time.

I have to agree with all on here except for one post. Life Jackets should be on at all times while in boats, but for kids that are 7-10 years old wading in belly deep water, that is a call for the parent. At 10 years old I could swim better than most grown men and there was no need. By the time I was 12 I would go 50 to 80 yeards off the coast snorkling without a jacket. I dont think that judgements should be made on parents letting kids this age go out with life jackets because there is a wide variety of skill sets swimming by this age. I also started taking swimming lessons at 1.5 years old. I guess the exception not the rule.

When we head to the lake I put their vests in the back seat of the truck and my kids have theirs on before we get to the ramp. Started them out very young and now it's second nature. You should spend the money and get them one that's comfortable. You need to wear one as well, they will be more likely to copy dad.

The whole purpose to a life preserver is what again? Sadly, folks think that the only people that should wear them are those that cannot swim at all or swim very well. Why risk your life? Why not take the simple precautionary measure to prevent such tragedies? Oh yeah....because it isn't cool and it is uncomfortable. I am guilty of not wearing it at all times just like the rest of you....but when Mother Nature is having her way and I am out in it, I will do whatever is in my best interest to make sure that I make it back home safe to see my family.

All I am saying is:
20-25mph SW winds, lake is white capping with almost a foot of chop and you would be okay with your child wading out into belly deep water on a South facing point with no life preserver? Not this guy....regardless of how well my children think they can swim. That's like telling your 16 year old that they don't have to wear a seatbelt because they think they are good drivers. Not only is it the law....but more importantly its their life.