Life jacket loaner stations opened at 32 Ohio state parks

Columbus — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft is making it easier than ever to stay safe on the water.

In a major boost to boating safety, ODNR has installed life jacket loaner stations at 32 Ohio state parks across the state. Each station offers free access to life jackets in a wide range of sizes – from infant to adult – making it simple for visitors to gear up before heading out on the water.

“Wearing a life jacket can make the difference between life and death,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “We want every Ohioan and every visitor to have a safe and fun day on the water, and these loaner stations remove one more barrier to making that happen.”

ODNR purchased 1,890 life jackets to supply these stations, ensuring that visitors have access to properly fitting flotation devices whether they’re paddling, fishing, or enjoying a day at the beach.

The life jacket stations are stationed near boating docks and beaches, providing safety equipment and spreading the message of safe boating.

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According to national data, approximately 75% of all boating deaths are due to drowning – and in 87% of those cases, the person was not wearing a life jacket. By giving boaters, paddlers, anglers, and beachgoers easy, no-cost access to this critical safety gear, ODNR hopes to significantly reduce the risk of tragedy on Ohio’s lakes and rivers.

Life jacket loaner stations are now available at the following Ohio State Parks: Findley, Geneva (multiple stations), Headlands Beach, Portage Lakes, Punderson, Mosquito Lake, Barkcamp, Blue Rock, Burr Oak (multiple stations), Dillon, Forked Run, Jesse Owens, Lake Logan (multiple stations), Lake White, Muskingum River Parkway, Strouds Run, Wolf Run, Buckeye Lake (multiple stations), Caesar Creek, Cowan Lake (multiple stations), Deer Creek, Hueston Woods, Indian Lake, Kiser Lake, Rocky Fork, Catawba Island, Grand Lake St. Marys (multiple stations), Harrison Lake, Kelleys Island, Lake Milton, Mary Jane Thurston, and South Bass Island.

For more information about boating safety in Ohio, visit ohiodnr.gov/boating.