First off, anyone 6 years or younger MUST have a US Coast Guard Approved Lift Jacket on at ALL times (boat on or off, moving or stopped, anchored or not). For anyone over the age of 6, your Life Jacket and throw cushion should be readily accessible and you should know where the Life Jackets and throw cushion is located on the boat at all times. We recommend ANYONE, regardless of age or experience, to wear a Life Jacket at any time while swimming in water deeper than their height.