Testimonials
FLIPP for Lifejackets
Hear from fishermen and community partners across the Pacific Northwest (PNW) and share your own story!
FLIPP for Lifejackets program collaborated with communities to distribute lifejacket in ports across the Pacific Northwest.
730+
Lifejackets distributed
360+
Vessels covered
80+
Home ports covered
70%
Fishermen wearing lifejackets more or always
From our promotional video
"A lifejacket here in our cold waters is one of the only reasons you could survive... I wear my lifejacket just to have that extra security that if I do go over, I'll float. I want to come home... It's the young fishermen, cousins, ’hey, Christian wore a lifejacket, so I will too.‘ ”
Christian
Commercial fisherman
“The FLIPP program is all about saving lives and getting fishers to wear lifejackets — and it's happening thanks to the efforts of so many industry, state, and community partners.”
Cari Brandberg
Newport Fishermen’s Wives
From the water
A close call
"I used my lifejacket to secure our crab pots this last winter in California's Dungeness crab season. We were in rough seas, and our load of pots began shifting forward and back. Of course, it was dark and rough.
I had to climb to the stern rail to fasten more chains. Having my jacket on made it easier to manipulate over the edge of the unstable pile. I was able to stabilize the pile and keep the boat safe — while being as safe as possible for me."
Commercial Fisherman - Dungeness Crab
“I absolutely love them. The newer inflatable ones are easy and more comfortable for regular use and I definitely wear them much more. I appreciate them and your program so very much."
Commercial Fisherman - Oregon Coast
"It was a great salmon season and I always wore one or the other PFD on my outings. The lighter flotation was nice when the summer temps were up. Really appreciate the new flotation devices!"
Commercial Fisherman - Oregon Coast
Community partners
From the organizations behind the program
WEFISH
"Just this week, we successfully distributed 150 lifejackets at our latest event. Water safety is a top priority for us, and we appreciate the importance of protecting our fishing fleet."
FishHer
“Our April 2025 Astoria event reached 126 fishermen across 65 vessels and the support provided by OSU and UW was invaluable.”
Newport Fishermen’s Wives
“Through the FLIPP for Lifejackets program, we've distributed 350+ lifejackets to Newport fishermen - many of whom told us they couldn't afford this critical safety equipment otherwise.”
Tell us about it
Share your story
Got a lifejacket through our program? Your experience can encourage other fishermen to stay safe on the water.
Text us
Text us your story along with your name (or just initials) and home port at 541-204-6275. We may add it to this page — we'll always ask first.