GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — No more excuses. A collaborative life jacket loaner program has been launched in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) with support from the Grand Teton National Park Foundation and the Snake River Fund.
GTNP shared a news release on Monday, stating that many visitors who recreate on the Snake River and park lakes are not aware that a personal floatation device (PFD) is an essential piece of safety equipment. As part of the pilot program, loaner kiosks have recently been installed at Jackson Lake Dam, Pacific Creek Landing boat ramp, String Lake and the Colter Bay Swim Beach. The stations have PFDs available for visitors to borrow, and they can be returned to the same or downstream kiosk when done.
“Spending time on the water is one of the best ways to experience Grand Teton National Park,” GTNP Superintendent Chip Jenkins said in a statement. “By making life jackets readily available, we’re helping remove a barrier to safe recreation and encouraging everyone to make wearing a life jacket part of every trip on the water.”
Changes in weather, cold water, fast currents and hidden obstacles can create dangerous conditions, and a PFD can save a life, per GTNP. The kiosks also provide information on proper fit, water conditions and boating safety. While on a watercraft, all children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket. All other boaters are required to have a PFD readily accessible and are strongly recommended to wear it.
“Grand Teton’s waterways draw visitors from around the world, and everyone should have the opportunity to experience them safely,” said Leslie Mattson, president of Grand Teton National Park Foundation, in the news release. “This program is a natural extension of the Foundation’s commitment to enhancing the visitor experience, and we’re proud to bring it to life this summer.”
Beginning in 2019, the Snake River Fund has successfully operated a similar loaner program on sections of the Snake River outside of the park. If the national park pilot program is successful, GTNP plants to expand the number of loaner stations in the future.
