Rock County sets up life jacket loaner station at boat launch

Rock County officials announced Wednesday that they have teamed up with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to offer a life jacket loaner station this summer.

The “Kids don’t float” life jacket loaner station will be at the Newville Public Boat Landing of North Ellendale Drive starting Memorial Day weekend, officials said. The loaner station will be there through Labor Day.

Officials said the program is to promote safe boating and help ensure all boats are property equipped with personal flotation devices as required by law.

The life jacket loaner station will be equipped with adult, children, infant and Type IV personal floatation devices, according to the release. The program is honor-based, and deputies will inspect the station weekly.

The Newville station will be the first in Rock County, but the sheriff hopes to expand the project in 2016.