All watercraft users are strongly encouraged to wear life jackets while enjoying activities on the Willamette River. During the summer, visitors to Wallace Marine Park may borrow and use life jackets from one of two free loaner stations in the park. One life jacket loaner station is located at the boat launch ramp, and the other station is located near popular swimming areas.

The life jacket loaner stations close at the end of the summer season, and the inventory of life jackets are removed for storage until the stations are reopened the next summer, usually around Memorial Day.

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.”

The life jacket loaner stations are maintained and serviced by the City of Salem. This program is provided by the City of Salem in partnership with the Salem Fire Foundation.

Donations

Those who wish to support the life jacket loaner program may do so by making a monetary donation. Monetary donations are accepted at Salem Fire Station #1 during regular business hours. Monetary donations are applied towards the purchase of additional life jackets. Each donation is considered a charitable contribution and will be confirmed by providing the donor with a receipt. The City does not accept donations of used life jackets.