SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane River offers summer relief through swimming, kayaking and camping, with free life jackets available to ensure safety.
The Spokane River Forum’s “Borrow a Life Jacket” program, supported by Washington State Parks, has placed more than 70 loaner jackets at eight access points: Stateline, Harvard Road, Barker, Islands Trailhead, Boulder Beach, Division Street Bridge, Redband Park and People’s Park.
“No matter what time of year, currents can be unpredictable and safety on the river is always the number one priority,” program organizers say.
Life jackets range from infant to extra-large sizes and operate on an honor system where visitors borrow jackets from kiosks and return them after use.
“No matter how strong a swimmer you are, all rivers are unpredictable. Using a life jacket is always the smartest option,” safety officials emphasize.
Visitors can find access information at spokanewatertrail.org and should report damaged equipment to the Forum.