Got a copy of the new regs and also contacted the COE. The regulation for wearing life vest applies only to those boats tied together in the "rafting" configuration.
The complete "News Release" from the COE was published 7/12 in the Shelby County News
Shelby County News
The regulation takes effect July 18th.
The fact that this applies to rafting does not mean that you won't be checked.
Hope this clears the question up.
Barry