Age Requirements for Jet Skis in North Carolina

How old do you have to be to operate a jet ski in North Carolina? In North Carolina, you must be at least 14 years old to operate a jet ski. A person who is at least 14 years old, but less than 16 years old, can operate a jet ski in public waters if:

· they are accompanied by someone who is 18 years of age or older who is in compliance with North Carolina boating education requirements, OR

· the youth has successfully completed a North Carolina approved boating safety education course and carries proof of completing the course and an identification card while operating the jet ski.

A person under the age of 16 years old cannot operate a jet ski unless they have first completed a North Carolina approved boating safety education course. The owner of a jet ski must not allow a person under the age of 16 years old to operate a jet ski until they have first completed a North Carolina approved boating safety education course. 

A person who is at least 16 years of age but not 26 years of age must complete a North Carolina approved boating safety education course before operating a jet ski. Those who possess a United States Coast Guard operator’s license, temporary operator’s license, renter’s or lease agreement, or are a resident of another state or country operating on the waters of North Carolina for less than 90 days are exempt from the education requirement if under the age of 26. 

Those over the age of 26 are not required to possess a North Carolina approved boating safety certificate while operating on the waters of North Carolina. Even if you're over the age of 26, it is recommended that you successfully complete a North Carolina approved boating safety course before operating a jet ski. 

Adkins Law is located in Huntersville, North Carolina and primarily serves Mecklenburg County and the Lake Norman area. 

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