AB 1571 would rename kids’ flotation gear in California

California lawmakers are adjusting a small but practical part of child water-safety law. AB 1571, introduced by Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez, would amend Health and Safety Code Section 116023 so "wearable personal flotation device" includes a lifejacket, puddle jumper, swim vest, water wings, or other flotation device designed to be worn or attached to the body of an infant or child.

For parents and retailers, the change is mostly about language. The bill would replace an older label with the term families are more likely to see on packaging and in stores.

The safety gate stays the same

The underlying restriction would not change. Existing law already bars a person or entity from manufacturing, selling, delivering, distributing, holding or offering for sale wearable personal flotation devices that are not approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

So this is not a broader rewrite of swim-gear rules. It is a narrow definition change inside a rule that already covers flotation devices for infants and children, keeping the state’s safety standard intact while updating the wording.