I am pretty sure the law in NC says kids under 12 have to wear a life preserver when out on a boat unless below decks or maybe in an enclosed cabin. My FIL has a pontoon boat with a plastic canopy that buttons over the whoe thing-does this count as enclosed? I don't care about the law personally, I still want them in their life jackets; however, even though this is well known I have found it is not followed if I am not there to enforce it. I thought maybe if I had some outside advice I could get my way without a screaming tirade.
Regardless of what the law is, I would not send my kids on a boat if your wishes for them to wear life jackets were ignored. Anyway, found this - http://www.ncwildlife.org/news_stories/pg00_NewsRelease/pg00_may06_2.htm
Oh, I didn't send them. My MIL and I were doing a little Christmas shopping and while we were out, my FIL took the kids out fishing. I asked my daughter if they wore them(b/c EVERYTIME we go out, canopy or not, I have to make a fuss and be made to feel overprotective) and she said no. Believe me, I have made it clear to the kids that if by some slim chance I am not around that is not to happen again no matter what Grandpa says is all right and that heads will roll if it does.
