Arizona § 5-331 - Personal flotation devices; requirements; exceptions
Full text of Arizona Arizona Revised Statutes § 5-331 — Personal flotation devices; requirements; exceptions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-331. Personal flotation devices; requirements; exceptions
A. All watercraft, except sailboards, shall carry United States coast guard approved personal flotation devices of the type and category prescribed by regulations of the commission. There shall be one such device in good and serviceable condition for each person on board and so placed as to be readily accessible for immediate use.
B. Any person who is being towed behind a watercraft shall wear a wearable personal flotation device while being towed except for a performer who is engaged in a professional exhibition.
C. A child who is twelve years of age or under and who is on board a watercraft shall wear a properly fitting United States coast guard approved wearable personal flotation device whenever the watercraft is underway.
D. Subsection C of this section does not apply to either of the following:
1. Small passenger vessels that are not for hire on navigable waters, that maintain a coast guard certificate of inspection and that are being operated by United States coast guard licensed pilots within a distance of one-fourth mile from the nearest shore as a means of transporting passengers and when the duration of time the vessel is underway on the water does not exceed ten minutes.
2. Rowing shells that are being used for the purposes of practice, training or rowing competitions if all of the following conditions are met:
(a) The rowing practice, training or competition is being supervised by a coach who is certified by a nationally recognized rowing association and who is in a launch in close proximity to the rowing shell.
(b) The launch complies with the requirements of a nationally recognized rowing association and carries lifesaving equipment on board.
(c) The operator of the rowing shell has successfully passed a swimming test that is certified by a nationally recognized rowing association.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona § 5-331
What does Arizona Revised Statutes § 5-331 cover?
Section 5-331 ("Personal flotation devices; requirements; exceptions") is part of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Arizona. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Arizona § 5-331?
A common citation format is "Arizona Revised Statutes § 5-331" (Arizona). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Arizona law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arizona official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arizona attorney.
How does Arizona § 5-331 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arizona can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arizona.