May 10, 2023 3:50 a.m.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is hosting its last free boat safety inspection clinic of the year on Saturday.

Lieutenant Brad O’Dell said the clinic will be held in the gravel parking lot of the Douglas County Fairgrounds between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

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. He said this is a great way to ensure boaters have all of the required safety equipment, learn about lifejacket safety or boating laws and ask boating 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, and

*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 as well. Any non-motorized boat, including paddlecraft ten feet or longer are required to have a waterway access permit.

Boats that pass inspection will be issued a 2023 inspection sticker.

Anyone needing more information can contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.