Idaho to loan life jackets to boaters

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation will lend life jackets to boaters, free of charge, at selected boat launches.

“One of the goals of the (program) is to educate boaters on the significance of wearing the appropriate size and type of life jacket while boating,” said Kim Jackson, the department’s boating education safety coordinator.

Boaters may pick up jackets for daylong use at Farragut State Park, Priest Lake State Park, Round Lake State Park, Blackwell Island, Coeur d’Alene’s Third Street boat ramp, and the Garfield Shores Resort and Marina Club in Sandpoint.

The state plans to expand the program in the future. Program partners include the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the city of Sandpoint’s Parks and Recreation Department.