Few situations are more tragic to imagine than ones that involve children and drowning, largely because the whole thing can usually be avoided with a properly sized lifejacket. The BoatUS Foundation has spearheaded a long standing effort to set up a network of Life Jacket Loaner sites across the country so boating kids will always have a lifejacket on hand. With over 550 registered loaner sites and a reported 140,000 lifejacket loans per year logged, the program seems to be a success. The process to become a loaner site is easier than ever now that certain water recreation organizations can apply at any time.
“We want to make it easier for marinas, waterfront organizations, or other groups that serve boaters to join this life saving program and help us find the best loaner sites possible,” said BoatUS Foundation Outreach Manager Alanna Keating in a press release. Approved locations receive a kit of 12 children’s lifejackets with sizes infant to youth, signage, and a local publicity kit. The program participant need only track lifejacket use with an easy sign in and out system provided. If you are a part of a marina, boat club, waterfront restaurant, or relevant government agency, think about it. There’s no cost to sign up and it can all be done online at BoatUS.org/life-jacket-loaner.
