Free Community Boating Safety Event
May 15, 2026 Youth & Family PFD Fitting Event
Bring your family and learn how to choose, fit, and wear a life jacket correctly. This Oregon community event is designed to help kids, parents, and caregivers feel more confident and prepared before spending time on the water.
What Families Can Expect
The Youth and Family PFD Fitting Event is built for families who want to make boating safety simple and approachable. Youth and caregivers can learn how a life jacket should fit, what to check before getting on the water, and why proper wear matters for comfort and safety.
This event is part of a coordinated statewide effort to build awareness around safe boating in Oregon. It also connects with Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day and National Safe Boating Week.
Why Proper Life Jacket Fit Matters
A life jacket only works well when it fits correctly and is worn the right way. For kids especially, size, adjustment, and secure fit all matter. This event helps families understand what to look for and gives them a chance to ask questions in a supportive setting.
- Learn how a youth or adult PFD should fit
- Understand basic boating safety habits
- Build confidence before time on the water
- Connect with trusted boating safety partners
Community Partners
This event is made possible through a partnership between organizations that care deeply about boating safety, education, and access to better information for Oregon families.
- Sawyer Station
- Oregon State Marine Board
- ACA Oregon
- U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
- Other event host locations across Oregon
Watch the PFD Fitting Video
Get a quick overview of proper way to fit life jackets and share it with parents, caregivers, and community partners.
Video by Boat Ed.
Join Us on May 15
Whether your family boats often or is just getting started, this event is a great chance to learn more about life jacket fit and safe time on the water. We hope you will join us on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m at Sawyer Station.
Summer Demo Series at Sawyer Station
Wednesdays on the Water (WOW)
Want to try before you buy? Wednesdays on the Water is a Sawyer Station event focused on hands-on river demos with oars, rafts, inflatable kayaks, and SUPs.
Thinking about new oars, a raft, inflatable kayak, or SUP? Join us at Sawyer Station every Wednesday evening this summer for guided, on-the-water demos.
- What to expect: Hands-on demos with oars, IKs, rafts, and SUPs
- Group size: Limited to 8 paddlers/rowers per session
- Registration: Required so we can have equipment ready
- Best for: Paddlers and rowers who want real on-water time before buying
Select your ticket type (Oars, Inflatable Kayak, Raft, or SUP) during registration. Bring a friend and plan to arrive early for check-in.
If you can’t attend, please cancel your reservation so others can join.