Arizona Game and Fish Department sets up life jacket exchange events in May

PHOENIX — Have you been holding onto a worn-out life jacket? Are you looking for a replacement this summer?

Well, this May the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is offering a life jacket exchange program across the state, according to a Tuesday press release.

Anyone who shows up to a designated AZGFD location (more on that below) can swap their life jacket — excluding horse collar and “off-shore style” jackets — for a new one.

“Life jackets save lives,” Josh Hoffman, AZGFD boating safety education coordinator, said in the release. “The exchange events are an amazing opportunity for Arizona’s boaters and paddlers to make sure they have a life jacket that fits correctly and is in good condition.”

AZGFD reminded people to inspect their life preservers before going into water or taking their boat for a spin.

The Arizona state law requires those ages 12 and under to wear a jacket while on boats.

Locations, dates for life jacket exchange in Arizona

• May 15-16: Rotary Park, Bullhead City (9-11 a.m.)
• May 17: London Bridge Beach, Lake Havasu City (10 a.m.-noon)
• May 17: La Paz County Sheriffs Boating Safety Building, Parker (9 a.m.-noon)
• May 17: Fishers Landing, Martinez Lake (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)
• May 17: 10 Lane ramp, Lake Pleasant (8 a.m.-noon)
• May 17: Saguaro Lake (8 a.m.-noon)
• May 17: Canyon Lake (8 a.m.-noon)
• May 17: Tempe Town Lake (8 a.m.-noon)
• May 24: Patagonia Lake (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Visit here for more information on boating safety in Arizona.

Related

Arizona Game and Fish Department's annual outdoor expo returns to north Phoenix this weekendArizona wildlife officials help free baby deer from thorny situationWinner chosen for 18th annual Arizona Game and Fish Department photo contestRetired Gilbert fire captain honored after dying from job-related cancerStorms make way into Valley with strong winds, scattered showers causing power outages4-year-old boy dies a month after being pulled from Phoenix apartment pool