Donate a Lifejacket, Save a Life: Montana’s Safe Boating Week Drive

If you’ve got a lifejacket or two tucked away in your garage or gear bin that haven’t seen the water in a while, now’s the perfect time to give them a second chance at making a difference.

During National Safe Boating Week (May 19-23), Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is hosting a Lifejacket Donation Drive, and they’re calling on people across the Treasure State to pitch in.

Why This Matters

Lifejacket loaner stations across Montana serve a big purpose- keeping families safe while they enjoy our lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. These stations offer free-to-borrow lifejackets for the day, helping make sure no one has to choose between safety and spontaneity. Over time, jackets can get lost, damaged, or even walk off for good, so restocking them each season is important.

Where to Drop Off Your Donation

FWP has set up several donation locations across the state, including their regional offices in Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Great Falls, and Billings, as well as at Cooney State Park and Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. Whether you’re in the city or heading out for a weekend adventure, chances are you’ll be near a drop-off site. You don’t have to give your name or fill out any paperwork. It’s a simple drop and go.

What Kind of Lifejackets Are Needed?

FWP is asking for new or gently used wearable lifejackets. That means ones that you’d still trust to keep someone you love safe in the water. Inflatable jackets can’t be accepted, but jackets of all sizes are welcome. Here’s what they’re looking for:

• No rips, tears, or busted seams
• Buckles, zippers, and straps in working order
• The U.S. Coast Guard label must be visible and legible
• The flotation material should still be in good shape

Once donated, each jacket is thoroughly cleaned and inspected before being placed at one of the state’s loaner stations.

A Community Effort

These lifejacket loaner stations aren’t just an FWP project. They’re a team effort, supported by local Search and Rescue teams, the Boy Scouts, recreation groups like Walleyes Unlimited, the YMCA, BLM, county health departments, and more. Every jacket donated helps keep this safety net strong for families across Montana.

Why Your Donation Counts

You might not know who ends up borrowing the lifejacket you donated, but you’ll know you helped someone stay safe while enjoying Montana’s great outdoors. It could be a family out fishing, a kid playing near the dock, or a visitor unfamiliar with our local waters. Your small act could have a big impact.

Donation Locations for May 19-23

Here’s where you can drop off your new or gently used lifejackets:

• Billings: FWP Region 5 Office, 2300 Lake Elmo Drive
• Bozeman: FWP Region 3 Office, 1400 S. 19th Avenue
• Great Falls: FWP Region 4 Office, 4600 Giant Springs Road
• Helena: MT WILD, 2668 Broadwater Ave
• Missoula: FWP Region 2 Office, 3201 Spurgin Road
• Roberts: Cooney State Park Office, 86 Lake Shore Road
• Whitehall: Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park Lower Visitor Center, 25 Lewis and Clark Caverns Road | 406-287-3541

Safety Never Goes Out of Style

Montanans know the value of our waterways and the importance of protecting the people who enjoy them. So if you’ve got a lifejacket that’s outgrown, unused, or ready for a new home, consider donating it during National Safe Boating Week. It’s a simple gesture that could help save a life.