Who is required to wear a USCG approved personal flotation device?

In the United States, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requires that all children under the age of 13 wear a USCG-approved personal flotation device (PFD) while on boats that are less than 26 feet in length. Additionally, anyone participating in certain activities, such as water skiing or using personal watercraft, must also wear a PFD. Specific state regulations may impose further requirements, so it's important to check local laws as well.