Life Jacket Loaner Program

What is a life jacket loaner program?

When you go out boating and don’t have a life jacket or find yours doesn’t fit properly, you can visit a life jacket loaner station and borrow an infant, child, youth or adult life jacket for the day or weekend—at no charge. When finished, simply return the life jackets to the same station.

Life jacket loaner stations are located at marinas, near boat ramps or paddlecraft launch sites and at various state parks.

The State Parks Boating Program facilitates the statewide life jacket loaner program in partnership with the Washington Drowning Prevention Network.

FIND A LIFE JACKET LOANER SITE

Use the interactive map below to find one of the 180 life jacket loaner stations near you. If you don’t find a loaner site near you, contact the local sheriff or police department. They may have life jackets available.

host a life jacket loaner stand

Are you a marina or park owner or manager whose facility provides boating access? Are you interested in helping promote safe boating out of your facility?  

The State Parks Boating Program, in partnership with the Washington Drowning Prevention Network, can help you provide life jackets to the public through our free statewide life jacket loaner program. The goal of the program is to increase the use of life jackets and educate recreational boaters about the importance of wearing a properly fitted life jacket.

How does the program work? 

When people go out boating and don’t have a life jacket or find theirs doesn’t fit properly, they can visit a loaner station and borrow an infant, child, youth or adult life jacket for the day or weekend—at no charge. When finished, they simply return the life jackets to the same station.

What assistance does the Boating Program provide?

We will provide life jackets in a variety of sizes and a durable sign with fitting directions in English and Spanish.

What are my responsibilities?

  • Provide life jackets to the public at no cost.
  • Place loaner station at water-access sites used for boating and paddling.
  • Locations primarily used for swimming are not eligible.
  • Inspect life jackets regularly to ensure they are offered in serviceable condition: no rips, tears, holes, mold, etc.
  • Pull and dispose of any non-serviceable life jackets.
  • Provide an annual summary report noting approximate usage of the station.

What about ongoing maintenance?

We will replace life jackets on an as-needed basis. You are responsible for maintaining appropriate storage and signage.

Want more information?

Contact Derek VanDyke, Boating Program education and outreach coordinator, at 360-902-8842 or derek.vandyke@parks.wa.gov. You can apply for a life jacket loaner station at any time.