Program seeks new locations that lends infant, child and young-adult sized life jackets to the public at no cost.
ANNAPOLIS, Md., October 22, 2024 – Marinas, waterfront restaurants, businesses, boat clubs and first responder organizations wishing to have an impact on boating safety in their home waters can apply now to become a BoatUS Foundation Kid’s Life Jacket Loaner program site. Supported by BoatUS member donations, the program offers a simple way to help children and young adults get the right-sized life jacket when they go boating, sailing or fishing.
“We currently have more than 550 life jacket loaner sites across the U.S. and over the past 30 years more than a million recreational boaters have had the need to borrow a life jacket,” said BoatUS Foundation program administrator Lynne O’Hearn.
She added, “We know that sometimes a boater may not have a suitable life jacket when a youngster comes aboard. We’re looking for partners who are willing to make these life jackets available to the public for the day or weekend. We supply everything you need, and there is never a charge to borrow a life jacket.”
Since 1997, three children’s lives have been saved by a BoatUS Foundation loaner life jacket.
Becoming a loaner site is easy and free: Apply at BoatUS.org/Life-Jacket-Loaner.
Approved locations will receive 12 children’s life jackets with a variety of sizes from infant to youth, as well as signage and a local publicity kit. Life jackets are replenished as wear and tear takes its toll.
What’s the catch? In addition to needing to have a secure, dry, protected storage area, the only partner requirement is to track life jacket usage with an easy clipboard sign-out system and provide the Foundation with annual feedback to help keep the life jacket supply in good condition.
