Laws for Canoes, Kayaks and Inner Tubes
Life Jackets
Every vessel must have one type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device for each person on board. All life vests must be:
- United States Coast Guard-approved,
- in good and serviceable condition, and
- of proper size
Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket, which must be securely fastened while on board any vessel.
Glass Containers Are Prohibited
Except for containers for prescribed medicinal substances, no glass containers are allowed on board a canoe, kayak, inner tube or other vessel easily susceptible to swamping, tipping or rolling within the banks of Arkansas's navigable waterways.
- Paddlers are encouraged to remove glass previously discarded by others, and will not be charged with a violation as long as the removed glass is secured in a trash container until take-out or a suitable trash receptacle is available.
Fasten Cooler Lids
Foods and beverages on board a canoe, kayak, inner tube or other vessel easily susceptible to swamping tipping or rolling must be kept in a container that seals or locks in a way that prevents them from spilling into the water.
Attach and Use Mesh Litter Bag
Anyone transporting food or beverages in a canoe or similar craft must have a sturdy, sealable trash container or mesh bag affixed to the boat. All trash must be kept in the container until it can be safely or lawfully discarded in a trash receptacle.
- Paddlers are encouraged to remove trash materials that have been left by others and will not receive a fine for trash that they pick up which is too large to be transported in their trash container.
Floating beverage holders required
Beverages that are not securely contained in a cooler or trash container must be placed in a floating holder (can koozie) or other device which will prevent it from sinking beneath the surface of the water.