When it comes to recreational activities in the water, states do not mess around with your safety. In most states, there are strict laws when it comes to life jackets. Even in states where there is no children’s life jacket law, the U.S. Coast Guard mandates that children under 13 on moving boats must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. For adults, it can be just as strict, however. From state to state, the laws are going to vary so check your state’s rules. But, for example, here is the law pertaining to life jackets in kayaks for California.
They require, for a canoe or kayak of any length, that a Coast Guard-approved life jacket be carried for each person that is on board. You do not have to wear them, but they must be readily available and easy to get to. So, that would mean a life jacket must be present in everyone’s kayaking boat. In addition, everyone must be aware of where it is located. Again, this is strictly California’s law and your states may vary. This is just to give you an example of what you can expect.