PICKAWAY COUNTY, OH — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft has launched a significant safety initiative, installing life jacket loaner stations at 32 Ohio state parks, including Deer Creek State Park in Pickaway County, as announced on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 10:05 AM EDT. This effort aims to reduce water-related fatalities by providing free access to life jackets for visitors of all ages.
ODNR Director Mary Mertz emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “Wearing a life jacket can make the difference between life and death. We want every Ohioan and every visitor to have a safe and fun day on the water, and these loaner stations remove one more barrier to making that happen.” The agency has invested in 1,890 life jackets, available in sizes from infant to adult, stationed near boating docks and beaches to promote safe boating, paddling, fishing, and beach activities.
National data highlights the need for this initiative, with approximately 75% of boating deaths attributed to drowning, and 87% of those cases involving individuals not wearing life jackets. By offering no-cost access to properly fitting flotation devices, ODNR hopes to lower the risk of tragedy on Ohio’s waterways, including the scenic Deer Creek Lake.
The life jacket loaner stations are now operational at Deer Creek and other parks across the state, including Findley, Geneva, Headlands Beach, Portage Lakes, Punderson, Mosquito Lake, Barkcamp, Blue Rock, Burr Oak, Dillon, Forked Run, Jesse Owens, Lake Logan, Lake White, Muskingum River Parkway, Strouds Run, Wolf Run, Buckeye Lake, Caesar Creek, Cowan Lake, Hueston Woods, Indian Lake, Kiser Lake, Rocky Fork, Catawba Island, Grand Lake St. Marys, Harrison Lake, Kelleys Island, Lake Milton, Mary Jane Thurston, and South Bass Island. Visitors are encouraged to borrow a jacket for their outing and return it when finished, ensuring ongoing availability.
For more details on boating safety, visit ohiodnr.gov/boating.
