Where to Donate a Lifejacket and Maybe Help Save a Life in Montana

Not only are you doing a kind thing, it's good to know that the donation drop-off facility will make sure it's put to good use.

National Safe Boating Week is May 19-23. In recognition of a vital awareness campaign, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is asking you to consider finding a new home for a gently used or new lifejacket. Consider donating them during the "Fish, Wildlife & Parks Lifejacket Donation Drive." During Safe Boating Week, lifejackets can be dropped off at numerous Montana FWP offices.

The donated jackets are cleaned and inspected and then used to resupply designated lifejacket loaner stations in communities across Montana. Lifejacket loaner stations provide lifejackets to borrow for the day and promote safe water recreation. Each year, lifejacket loaner stations need restocked after life jackets are lost, stolen or damaged during regular use throughout the season.

Any size lifejacket may be donated. All wearable lifejackets are acceptable, except inflatable lifejackets. To donate, simply drop off lifejacket(s) to a donation station between May 19 and 23. Staff will inspect, clean and distribute to community lifejacket loaner stations.

Loaner stations are built, stocked, funded and maintained by County Search and Rescue, Boy Scouts, local recreation groups such as Walleye’s Unlimited, BLM, FWP, county health departments, YMCA and others.

NOT JUST ANY OLD JACKET WILL DO

Drop sites may be indoors or outdoors. Check at your selected site or call ahead and ask. FWP will accept lifejackets in serviceable condition according to U.S. Coast Guard standards and that meet the following guidelines:

---Free from rips, tears, or open seams in fabric or coating

---Buckles, straps, webbing, and zippers in clean, good working condition

---USCG label and certification number clearly visible and readable

---Buoyant material in good condition.

No personal information is required for donation.

DONATION LOCATIONS WEEK OF MAY 19-23:

• FWP Region 2, Missoula Office: 3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula 406-542-5500

• FWP Region 3, Bozeman Office: 1400 S. 19th Avenue, Bozeman 406-577-7900

• Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park lower visitor center: 25 Lewis and Clark Caverns Road, Whitehall 406-287-3541

• MT WILD: 2668 Broadwater Ave, Helena 406-444-9944

• FWP Region 4, Great Falls Office: 4600 Giant Springs Road 406-454-5840

• FWP Region 5, Billings Office: 2300 Lake Elmo Drive, Billings 406-247-2940

• Cooney State Park Office: 86 Lake Shore Road, Roberts MT 59070. 406-445-2326