New PDF Loaner Program in Grand Teton National Park!

Each summer, thousands of people recreate on waterways throughout Grand Teton National Park. Despite its popularity, spending time on the water comes inherent danger: fast moving water, hidden obstacles, and braided river channels can create challenging swimming conditions. The risk is particularly increased for those not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD).

The American Whitewater accident database lists "No PFD" as the leading cause of river accidents among inexperienced boaters in the United States. Over the last two years in Grand Teton National Park, two visitors have lost their lives in water-related accidents, both of which may have been prevented with the use of a PFD. For many visiting the park, packing a PFD is not a feasible option and there is not a rental system within the park. This means visitors are often not wearing a PFD while enjoying the rivers and lakes throughout the park.

To make PFDs more accessible and prevent future tragedies, Grand Teton National Park Foundation is supporting the implementation of a PFD Loaner Program: a simple, effective solution that provides free life jackets for visitors who need them. This project will be executed starting in 2026 in partnership with Snake River Fund, a local organization that already operates several successful PFD Loaner kiosks along the Snake River south of Grand Teton's boundaries. They're used everyday by families, anglers, and recreational boaters.

This summer, loaner PFD kiosks will be installed at Jackson Lake Dam, Pacific Creek Landing, Colter Bay Swim Beach, and String Lake. Based on how the PFDS are used, there is a potential for addition of loaner stations at other water-front locations in Grand Teton.

The Snake River Ambassadors, a Foundation-funded volunteer crew working to protect the river ecosystem and enhance visitor education and safety, will act as on-the-ground presence to explain how the PFD kiosks work and educate visitors about potential water safety hazards. Whether you're a local resident who simply forgot their PFD, or a first-time visitor who didn't know having a PFD is necessary, this program makes sure all river users have access to life-saving equipment in Grand Teton.