April 14, 2023 9:30 a.m.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a free boat safety inspection clinic on Saturday.

It will be held at the Sutherlin Bi-Mart on East Central Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Lieutenant Brad O’Dell said this is a free opportunity to have a boat of any kind inspected to ensure it meets all legal requirements for the upcoming boating season.  O’Dell said this is a great way to ensure boaters have all of the required safety equipment, learn about lifejacket safety or boating laws or ask any related questions of marine deputies.

The motorized inspection process will include checking for:

*Approved life jackets

*Working fire extinguishers

*Approved Type IV floatation devices

*Approved sound producing devices

*Working engine blower fans (if required)

*Assist with proper placement of Oregon registration numbers and registration stickers

O’Dell said deputies can also answer questions about non-motorized boats and the requirements pertaining to them. Any non-motorized boat, including paddlecraft, 10 feet or longer are required to have a waterway access permit.

If the boat passes inspection, a 2023 inspection sticker will be issued.