OREGON — May 15, 2026
As recreational boating season begins across Oregon, safety officials are launching a statewide series of youth and family life jacket fitting events aimed at reducing drowning risks and promoting safe water recreation.
The Oregon State Marine Board is partnering with paddlesports organizations and outdoor recreation businesses on May 15 to host “Oregon Fit to Float®” events at eight locations statewide, coinciding with National “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work” Day.
The events are designed to help youth, families, and caregivers learn proper life jacket fit, understand pre-launch safety checks, and make informed choices about comfort and safety for different types of boating activities.
Statewide “Fit to Float®” Locations
From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on May 15, activities will be held at:
- The Paddle Shack in Warren
- Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe in Portland
- KeizerFEST in Keizer
- River House Outdoor Center in Eugene
- Oregon Paddle Sports in Eugene
- SOTAR in Merlin
- Sawyer Paddles and Oars in Gold Hill
- Indigo Creek Outfitters in Phoenix
Officials say the goal is to make boating safety hands-on and accessible for families heading into the peak recreation season.
“We are excited to bring this idea to life at eight locations across Oregon, in conjunction with National Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day,” said Priscilla Macy-Cruser, Boating Safety Advocate Program Coordinator for the Oregon State Marine Board.
The agency has long supported life jacket education programs and continues to fund Life Jacket Loaner Stations across Oregon waterways.
Building a Culture of Safety on the Water
The “Fit to Float®” initiative originated with Southern Oregon paddle and oar manufacturer Sawyer Paddles and Oars and was developed in collaboration with the Oregon State Marine Board, the American Canoe Association Regional Activity Council, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Organizers say the program was designed to align with National Safe Boating Week and expand hands-on safety education through local partnerships.
“A life jacket is the key that opens the door to countless days of safe and enjoyable recreation on our rivers, lakes and oceans,” said Zac Kauffman of Sawyer Paddles and Oars.
Andrea White, National Chair of the ACA Regional Activity Council’s Safe Boating Week activities, said the initiative strengthens local collaboration between instructors, outfitters, and agencies working to expand paddler education.
Safety Message Backed by National Data
Recreational boating remains a popular activity across the United States, but safety officials continue to stress the importance of life jacket use.
According to 2024 U.S. Coast Guard statistics cited by organizers, drowning accounted for 76% of boating fatalities, and 87% of those victims were not wearing life jackets.
Boating safety advocates emphasize that life jackets should be worn at all times on the water, regardless of experience level.
Statewide Safety Campaign Support
Oregon officials note strong statewide backing for boating safety outreach efforts. Tina Kotek has recognized the importance of expanding public education campaigns to reduce preventable water-related deaths.
In support of these efforts, May 16–22, 2026, has been officially proclaimed National Safe Boating Week, coordinated by the National Safe Boating Council.
Community Partnerships
Supporting organizations for the “Fit to Float®” events include the Oregon State Marine Board, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, ACA Oregon, certified ACA instructors, and outdoor recreation partners such as The Paddle Shack, Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe, Keizer Fire District, River House Outdoor Center, Oregon Paddle Sports, SOTAR, Sawyer Paddles and Oars, and Indigo Creek Outfitters.
Additional Resources
More information about Oregon Fit to Float® programs and boating safety resources is available through the Oregon State Marine Board. A free online paddlesports safety course is also offered through the American Canoe Association.
Residents can learn more about boating regulations, safety tips, and upcoming events at Boat.Oregon.gov.
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