Life Jacket Loan Program

Life Jacket Loan Station Graphic

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

Life jackets can be borrowed at the following fire stations:

  • Station 45: 229 5th St., Galt, CA 95632 (map) 
  • Station 71: 8760 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove, CA 95624 (map) 
  • Station 75: 2300 Maritime Dr., Elk Grove, CA 95758 (map) 

Daily 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.

More Information