Oregon paddlesports manufacturer and State Boating Agency at the helm of new Fit to Float® life jacket safety initiative

As reported in Paddling Magazine, the Fit to Float® program began with a discussion between Zac Kauffman from Sawyer Paddles & Oars and Priscilla Macy-Cruser of the Oregon State Marine Board about a need for broader life jacket education, a conversation that took place on the Sawyer Paddles & Oars on-water podcast. The idea materialized the dream of a statewide life jacket fitting day, in partnership with paddlesports leaders. 

Together, the Oregon State Marine Board and Sawyer Paddles and Oars forged a unique partnership and created a replicable model of a statewide Fit to Float® life jacket fitting and awareness day.  This effort was complimented by a Governor’s proclamation for “Safe Boating Week”, at the request of the Oregon State Marine Board.   The pilot project was launched in May, in partnership with the ACA, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and Oregon paddle sports retailers and other state leaders. Any prospective paddler or family of paddlers can show up at a participating location, try on a variety of life jackets, and learn about proper fit and the importance of wearing and activity appropriate life jackets when paddling and boating. The event is for all but was particularly created with families in mind to help parents find a life jacket that their children can wear both comfortably and safely. "The whole concept is if the kids have a life jacket that fits and fits well, they’ll want to wear it,” shared Kauffman.  You can see some highlights from one of the events that took place on Fox 12 News Oregon.

The Oregon State Marine Board is Oregon’s Recreational Boating Agency, and develops and approves statewide life jacket education and boating safety curriculums and implements statewide boating safety education and outreach as well as administers boating laws, in addition to supporting paddling and boating access.  Sawyer Paddles and Oars has been a longtime paddlesports industry leader, contributing to industry advocacy for paddling safety, conservation and stewardship as well as being a leading manufacturer of U.S. made paddle sports products.

Fit to Float ® initiative  - founded by Sawyer Paddles and Oars and the Oregon State Marine Board.