A new life jacket loaner station is now available for public use along the Willamette River at Irish Bend Park, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office announced.
The station, located at the park northeast of Monroe, represents a collaborative effort between the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Benton County Natural Areas and Parks, and the Benton Community Foundation, which provided funding support for the initiative.
The free loaner program allows community members to borrow life jackets at no charge and return them after use to help ensure water safety compliance and protection for all river users.
Oregon law requires life jackets for boaters on public waterways.
The Irish Bend Park location joins three other life jacket loaner stations already operating in Benton County at Michael’s Landing, Crystal Lake Sports Park and Hyak Park. The stations are part of a statewide network established through partnerships with the Oregon State Marine Board, Nautical Safety Foundation, local agencies and nonprofit organizations.
The program relies on community support to maintain its inventory and operations. Residents can contribute by donating new or gently used life jackets, or by making monetary donations to help sustain the program.
Those interested in supporting the initiative can make tax-deductible donations. Checks can be made out to “The Sheriff’s Foundation” with “life jackets” noted in the memo line. Donations can be mailed to or dropped off at the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, 180 NW Fifth St., Corvallis, OR 97330.