“Kids Don’t Float” Life Jacket Loaner Stations

The Rock County Sheriff’s Office has teamed up with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to offer several “Kids Don’t Float” life jacket loaner stations. The purpose of this program is to promote safe boating and help ensure all boats are properly equipped with personal flotation devices as required by law.

We encourage all boaters to complete a pre-inspection before launch to ensure all safety items are on board. Wisconsin Law requires that all vessels (including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards) must have at least one USCG-approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket for each person on board. In addition to the requirement for life jackets, one USCG-approved Type IV PFD, must be on board vessels 16 feet or longer and be readily accessible. Life jackets must be in good/serviceable condition and of the proper size for the intended wearer.

If you find after pre-inspection that you are missing a required life jacket, you can borrow one from a "Kids Don't Float" station at no cost and return it after use. These stations are equipped with adult, children, infants, and Type IV personal floatation devices. This program is honor-based, and Deputies will inspect the stations periodically.

Stations are put out before Memorial Day weekend and continue through Labor Day weekend each year. There are currently four stations throughout Rock County.

Locations of "Kids Don't Float" Life Jacket Loaner Stations

• At Newville Public Boat Landing off of N. Ellendale Dr.
• At Royce-Dallman Landing off of N. Charley Bluff Rd
• At Murwin Park off of W. Caledonia Rd
• At the Rest Area Near Turtle Creek Bridge on Hwy 140

The last two locations were added in 2021, to provide life jackets for those participating in watersports on Yahara River and Turtle Creek.