Iowa Senate Bill SF548

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/25
• Refer: 6/16/25

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the use of personal flotation devices on personal watercraft.(Formerly SF 108.)

Impact

The bill introduces exceptions to the PFD requirement. Notably, individuals over 18 years old are exempt from wearing a PFD if the personal watercraft is traveling at 10 miles per hour or less or is in a no-wake zone. This change may reduce the perceived burden on experienced adult operators while still emphasizing safety on personal watercraft. The provision aims to balance regulatory safety measures with the practicalities faced by adult boaters during low-speed operations.

Summary

Senate File 548 proposes amendments to Iowa Code Section 462A.9, specifically regarding the requirements for personal flotation devices (PFDs) on personal watercraft. The central provision of the bill is that all individuals aboard a personal watercraft must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD while the watercraft is underway. This is a shift from the current rules that mandate all operators and passengers to wear a specified type of PFD at all times while on a personal watercraft.

Contention

There is potential for debate over the balance between safety regulations and personal freedom. Supporters of the bill may argue that it appropriately grants more leeway to adult operators, while opponents could raise concerns about the safety implications of allowing exemptions, especially in varying water conditions. The bill also carries a penalty for non-compliance, where violations would be classified as a simple misdemeanor with a scheduled fine of $30, thus ensuring enforcement of the regulations for personal watercraft operation.