When would a 10 year old child be required to wear a US CG approved PFD on federal waters?

A 10-year-old child is required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) on federal waters when they are aboard a vessel that is less than 26 feet in length. This includes any recreational boats, such as canoes, kayaks, and motorboats, when they are underway. Additionally, children under 13 must wear a PFD while on board a vessel that is underway, unless they are in a completely enclosed cabin.