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Life Jacket Loan Program
Going Boating this weekend?
The Department of Boating and Waterways has partnered with local fire stations to make life jackets available to the public on a loan basis.
You should always wear a life jacket when near the water or on a boat. Any person on board a personal watercraft or being towed behind a vessel on water skis, an aquaplane or similar device must wear a Type I, II, III, or V U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Life Jacket Distribution
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have temporarily relocated the distribution site for life jackets to Cosumnes Fire Department Headquarters located at 10573 E. Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove CA. Contact Public Education Officer, Laurel Schamber, at 916-405-7114 to request an appointment, Monday - Friday between the hours of 8 am - 5 pm.
Other Participating Fire Departments
Program Information
Select fire stations have life jackets for children and adults. An individual or family can check out life jackets for a day or a weekend simply by completing a loan form.
This program is designed for family use. This program is not designed for use by large groups. Large groups life vests may be purchased for a discounted rate through BoatUS Foundation or you may apply for the Kids Afloat Program if you are a non-profit group.
Statistics
Safe Kids Worldwide reports an estimated 85% of boating-related drownings could have been prevented if the victim had been wearing a personal flotation device. Approximately half of all boating deaths occur on Saturdays and Sundays and between the months of May - August. Most boating deaths occur as a result of drowning when a boat capsizes or a person falls over board. These drownings could be prevented by wearing a life jacket.