It is estimated that 85 percent of boating-related drownings could have been prevented if the victim had been wearing a life jacket or personal flotation device.

In 2003, 21 children, ages 14 and under drowned in reported recreational boating accidents.
In 2003, 62 percent of children ages 14 and under, who drowned in reported recreational boating accidents, were not wearing personal flotation devices or life jackets.
In 2003, 200 children ages 14 and under sustained injuries in reported recreational boating accidents involving personal watercraft.
Forty-four states have enacted boating safety laws requiring children to wear personal flotation devices at all times when on boats or near open bodies of water. These laws vary in age requirements, exemptions and enforcement of procedures. Recreational boats must carry one properly sized, U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device, accessible and in good condition, for each person on board.
Approximately half of all boating deaths occur on Saturdays and Sundays between the months of May and August.

Fresno County Loaner Programs Friant and Sanger

Millerton Lake SRA
Address: 5290 Millerton Road; Friant, CA 93626
Phone: (559) 822-2332

Pine Flat Lake
Address: 27295 Pine Flat Road Sanger, CA 93657
Phone:(559) 787-2589

Pine Flat Life JAcket Loaner Stations are open all year.(Click on Location to find on Google Maps)

Best Fit

Check the label if the life jacket is a proper fit for wearer size and weight and is properly fastened.
Hold arms straight up over your head then ask a friend to grasp the tops of the arm openings and gently pull up.
There must be no excess room above the openings and the jacket should not ride up over your chin or face.

Infant 8-30 lbs, Child 30-50 lbs, Youth 50-90 lbs, Adult 90 or more lbs

The following material is being provided from the California Department of Parks and Recreation under their Fair Use Policy.

For more information on recommended type I, II & III [check this link]

The following material is based on the US Coast Guard Pamphlet on How to Choose the Right Life Jacket

General Recreational Boating-Auto Inflatable (16 Years +)

Inflates automatically upon immersion or manual activation, Comfortable and cool, May turn unconscious wearer face up, Requires regular maintenance per owner's manual, Not for children under 16 or non-swimmers, Not for sports where immersion is expected like whitewater paddling, waterskiing, etc.)

General Recreational Boating-Manual Inflatable (16 Years +)

Only inflates upon manual activation, Comfortable and cool, May turn unconscious wearer face up, Requires regular maintenance per ownere's manual, Not for children under 16 or non-swimmers, Not for sports where immersion is expected like whitewater paddling, waterskiing, etc.

General Recreational Boating-Belt Pack Inflatable (16 Years+)

Inflates automatically upon immersion or manual activation, Extremely easy to wear, Requires regular maintenance per owner manual, Must be placed over head after inflation, Not for children under 16 or non-swimmers, Not for sports where immersion is expected like whitewater paddling, waterskiing, etc.

General Recreational Boating- Vest Type (Child and Adult use by weight and fit)

May turn unconscious wearer face up, Requires little maintenance per owner's manual, Good for non-swimmers, Good flotation, Less bulky than offshore vests

General Recreational Boating-Children's Hybrid Inflatable (Children)

Inherently buoyant, also inflates automatically upon immersion or manual activation, Requires regular maintenance per owner's manual, May turn unconscious wearer face up, Not for sports where immersion is expected like whitewater paddling, waterskiing, etc.

General Recreational Boating-Children's Life Jacket (Children)

Designed for possible immersion, May not turn unconscious wearer face up, Requires little maintenanceper owner's manual, May have special safety features for children

General Recreational Boating- Floatation Aid (16 Years +)

Comfortable, Stylish, Requires little maintenance per owner's manual, May not turn unconscious wearer face up

Personal Watercraft, Waterskiing, and Water Sports- Vest-Type Flotation Aid(16 Years +)

Designed for possible immersion, May not turn unconscious wearer face up, Requires little maintenance per owner's manual, Rugged construction, Designed for waterskiing or other high impact, high speed activities

Hunting- Mesh Camo(16 Years +)

Designed for waterfowl hunting, Quilted shooting patch on right shoulder, Mesh pocket for storage, Special fit allows for freedom of movement, May not turn unconscious wearer face up

Hunting- Float Coat(16 Years +)

Designed for waterfowl hunting in cold weather, Hip-length, concealed hood, 2-way zipper with storm flap, May help prevent hypothermia, May not turn unconscious wearer face up

Angling- Inflatable Fishing Vest (16 Years +)

Inflates automatically upon immersion or manual activation, Includes pockets and straps for supplies and tackle, May turn unconscious wearer face up, Requires regular maintenance per owner's manual, Not for children under 16 or non-swimmers, Not for sports where immersion is expected like whitewater paddling, waterskiing, etc.

Paddlesports- Touring & Whitewater Paddling Jacket(16 Years +)

Intended for canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and whitewater activities, Special fit allows for freedom of movement, May not turn unconscious wearer face up, Requires little maintenance

Offshore Boating and Racing-Offshore Vest (16 Years + )

Intended for boating offshore, open water, and coastal cruising, Offers the most flotation, May help prevent hypothermia, Bulky, Designed to turn an unconscious person face up