All watercraft users are strongly encouraged to wear life jackets while enjoying activities on the Willamette River. To help keep visitors safe, Wallace Marine Park offers free life jacket loaner stations during the summer.

Where to Find Life Jackets

Visitors can borrow life jackets from two loaner stations in Wallace Marine Park:

• Boat Launch Ramp: One station is located at the boat launch ramp
• Swimming Areas: The other station is near popular swimming areas

The loaner stations close at the end of the summer season, and all life jackets are stored until the stations reopen the following summer, usually around Memorial Day.

Why Wear a Life Jacket?

According to the National Safe Boating Council, wearing a life jacket is the simplest strategy to stay safe while enjoying your favorite recreational water activity. Life jackets can save lives and make water activities safer for everyone.

Who Maintains the Program?

The City of Salem maintains and services the life jacket loaner stations. This program is made possible through a partnership between the City of Salem and the Salem Fire Foundation.

How to Support the Program

You can support the life jacket loaner program by making a monetary donation. Donations are used to purchase new life jackets for the program.

Where to Donate

Monetary donations are accepted at Salem Fire Station #1 during regular business hours.

Tax Deductible

Each donation is considered a charitable contribution, and donors will receive a receipt for their records.

No Used Life Jackets

We do not accept donations of used life jackets.

By supporting this program, you help ensure that everyone can enjoy the Willamette River safely.