How to borrow free life jackets in California
The summer season is a time when people try to cool down in a pool or in a California waterway.
State and local agencies urge people to be cautious in the water when enjoying a swim in local rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.
Part of being safe is wearing a life jacket and there are several agencies that loan them out to the public.
Here’s where you can find free life jackets in the Sacramento area
How to find an available life jacket
The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) said it partners with multiple agencies to make life jackets available to individuals or families.
Life jackets are available to the public on a loan basis and can be borrowed for a day or weekend.
Californians can find where free life jackets are being offered through the DBW website.
On the website, the public can find where life jackets are available in their respective county and city. After clicking on a county, the site will show the entity’s address and phone number to check if free life jackets are available.
What are California’s life jacket laws when boarding a boat or recreational vessel?
What are California life jacket laws?
Under California law, every child under 13 years old on a moving recreation boat of any length must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket in “serviceable condition,” according to the DBW.
When obtaining a life jacket, it needs to be the appropriate type and size to wear.
The law doesn’t apply to children under 13, who are:
•On a sailboat and constrained by a harness attached to the sailboat
•In an enclosed cabin
•On a vessel engaged in an emergency rescue situation
Boats that are 16 feet or longer must carry a life jacket for everyone onboard along with a device designed for throwing such as a ring, cushion or horseshoe buoy.
Anyone who is onboard a personal watercraft, such as a jet ski, or is being towed behind a vessel is required to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, according to the DBW. People on a boat less than 16 feet long, or a canoe or kayak of any length must wear a life jacket.
A life jacket must be carried for each person and must be readily available if stored.
Anyone using an underwater maneuvering device is exempt from wearing a life jacket. An underwater maneuvering device is designed for underwater use that a person can pilot through diving, turning and surfacing moves, according to the DBW.
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