Loaner Youth Life Jackets in Lyle

Wearing a life jacket while close to water is the single best way to prevent drowning.

Loaner life jackets have been popular at Mile One.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for 1-4 year olds and the second leading cause of death for 5-14 year olds.

With the new updates at Mile One, the Lyle Fire Department (LFD) went to work to organize life jacket loaner stations. LFD volunteers respond to medical calls in addition to fire calls throughout the year and installing life jacket loaner stations is a way to prevent drowning related rescues.

Each station includes life jackets that range in size, ensuring beach goers of all ages can have a fun and safe day out on the water. Life jackets are made available to borrow while on site at NO cost and are to be returned to the station when finished so they are available for others to use.

A properly fitting life jacket is critical to the jacket functioning appropriately. Learn how to properly fit a life jacket.

The loaner program is possible thanks to the Lyle Fire Department with generous funding from the Klickitat County EMS Council, the Sea Tow Foundation, the U.S. Coast Guard and other supporters.

Life Jacket Donations

If you have a new or gently used foam life jacket that is in "serviceable condition" that you would like to donate, please inspect each jacket to meet all of the following conditions:

Step 1 - Check the label inside of the life jacket to ensure that the jacket is a U.S. Coast Guard approved item. The label must be clear and legible for donation.

Step 2 - Ensure all zippers, buckles, straps, and fasteners are intact and function properly.

Step 3 - Inspect that there are no rips, tears or mold on the life jacket.

Step 4 - Check that the life jacket's flotation foam is not damaged and that it floats when placed in water.

Step 5 - Bring life jackets in serviceable condition to the loaner station at Mile One (clip them to the post so the wind does not damage them).

Jackets that do not meet the criteria above are not in serviceable condition and are a potential danger to a user. If even one of the above steps is not passed, discard the life jacket so that it may not be used by anyone. NOTE - Inflatable life jacket donations are not accepted at this time.