State Marine Board release – Oregon enjoys more than 300 miles of coastline, 11,000 miles of streams and rivers, and 129 boatable lakes. With so many opportunities to explore our waterways, the Oregon State Marine Board and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, along with our partners, encourage people to use one of the more than 100 life jacket loaner stations near popular recreation sites this summer. “Our water temperatures are cold year-round and many bodies of water have very strong currents,” said Ashley Massey, Public Information Officer with the Marine Board. “It doesn’t take long for a person’s body temperature to drop, which leads to muscle cramping and fatigue. A life jacket is the best protection to stay afloat and enjoy the water safely.” There have already been several drownings in Oregon this season. “It’s important to remember that the ocean surf zone and rivers and lakes are always changing,” said Massey. “After years of drought and now melting snow, many riverbanks are unstable. We advocate that everyone who recreates in and around the water wear a life jacket or, at a minimum, carry something that floats should the bank give way.” Ryan Sparks, Region Park Resource Program Manager for Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) recommends that everyone use a life jacket when enjoying waterways this summer. “If visitors don’t have one, they can borrow a life jacket at one of the 20 stations at Oregon State Parks or at other waterways around the state.” “We want people to enjoy themselves, and sometimes that takes some planning,” he said. “Anyone can borrow a life jacket from kids to adults. Just bring the jacket back when you’re done so it’s available for the next person.” The Marine Board helps life jacket loaner station sponsors, like OPRD, to stock their stations, by coordinating with the Nautical Safety Foundation, a 401(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Nautical Safety Foundation accepts financial donations and gently used life jackets to supply loaner stations. In 2022, they supplied over 1,600 life jackets to station sponsors, statewide. Learn more about the different kinds of life jackets and visit the Marine Board’s interactive Life Jacket Loaner Station map to find a location near you, if you don’t already own a properly fitting life jacket. For additional water safety tips, visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department webpage on beach safety with links to boating, water quality and outdoor safety. For example, when visiting the ocean shore or the Willamette River, look for river mile markers and beach access numbers to share with first responders if you need assistance. “Many waterways are in remote areas with limited to no cell signal. There are no lifeguards out there and getting help may take a while. Knowing the location markers will help first responders find the person needing rescue without losing valuable search time,” Sparks said. Both officials agree that planning and preparation go a long way to having a great time out on the water. And if you happen to need a life jacket when the water is calling, find a location with a loaner station.
