According to the Preliminary 2025 Minnesota Boating Accident and Drowning Summary from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in 2024 there were 46 Non-Boating Drownings and 53 Non-Fatal Boating Incidents.
With the City of Anoka surrounded by two rivers, the Parks and Recreation Department, along with the Anoka-Champlin Fire Department want to assist the public in being as safe as possible when engaging in any water recreation, in and near the water.
Lending life jackets and public education is the first step.
Forgot to pack it? Borrow our jacket! Anoka Parks & Recreation and the Anoka-Champlin Fire Department received 50 life jackets through a grant from the Association of Aquatic Professionals.
Safety first - to utilize the life jackets, we are introducing our Lending Life Jacket Boxes at the following locations:
• Behind Anoka City Hall
• Akin Riverside Park Boat Launch
• Mississippi River Community Park
• Peninsula Point Park
If you forget your life jacket for your next outing on the Rum River or Mississippi River, please feel free to use one of these jackets. Be sure to scan the QR code on the sign to view a video from the MN DNR and/or read the fitting guide on the side of the box for proper fitting instructions.
Simply return the life jacket to the box when you are done enjoying your water recreation.
Shout out to our Public Services crews for reusing materials to build the boxes!
If you have questions, please contact Public Services at 763-576-2980.
