BEND, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will once again be conducting “pre-season” boat inspections before the fishing opener on April 25/26. This is a chance for boat owners to get their boats out, ready and have a boating inspection decal applied to their boat before they ever hit the water.

These parking lot inspections will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following locations:

BEND:  All Seasons RV and Marine (Jamison Street)

SISTERS:  Les Schwab

REDMOND:  Steve Dorn RV and Marine (South Hwy 97)

LA PINE:  Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office substation (the old Mid-State Electric on the south end of town)

Marine deputies will check the safety equipment your boat is required to have on-board and help ensure that boaters have everything they need for a safe boating season. Any problems can usually be fixed on-the-spot and no citations will be written. Once a boat as passed the safety inspection, a “2009” inspection sticker will be applied to the boat.

This sticker is good for the rest of the 2009, is good throughout the state and reduces the chances of a boater being stopped on the water for a safety inspection.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: 541-388-6503