Watson's Markets, FWP team up to encourage life jacket use

Watson’s Market in Troy and Eureka teamed up with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to encourage the use of life jackets.

The promotion kicked off last week at the Troy Aquatic Invasive Station, according to FWP’s Jon Obst. 

Both markets have sponsored the free loaner life jacket program for boaters at each Aquatic Invasive Station in Lincoln County.  

“There is no charge to boaters needing some extra life jackets to be safe on the water this summer,” Obst said. “In Montana, it is required to have correct fitting size life jackets for each person on the boat. This includes kayaks, canoes and even stand-up paddle boards. Kids under 12 are required to wear their life jackets while on a boat that is under motion.”

Northwest Montana's lakes and rivers are extremely popular for boaters and anglers and the plan is to prevent a tragedy that, unfortunately, happens too often.

Since the AIS stations are open every day, they are a great location to pick up needed extra life jackets while headed out to the waters this summer.

Watsons Market also sweetened the deal for boaters who stop at the required AIS inspection stations at Troy or Eureka. Kids under 12 will receive a certificate good for a free cookie at either Watson’s Market.

Watson’s Market has also provided cookie coupons to our local wardens who can hand them out to kids under 12 who are wearing the required life jackets while the wardens are patrolling the waters.