Life jackets save lives, but only if they are worn. Each year, about 75% of the people who die in a boating incident drowned because they weren’t wearing a life jacket. Many of these people considered themselves long-term boaters who knew how to swim, but if hurt or knocked unconscious when entering the water, it is impossible to swim which is why having a life jacket on is critical. You wouldn’t try to put a seatbelt on in your car in the middle of a car crash, so don’t think you can try to put on a life jacket when you are in the middle of a boating emergency.

The Sea Tow Foundation’s nationwide network of Life Jacket Loaner Stations exists to make sure that every boater, no matter their age or size, can have access to a free life jacket to borrow to keep them safe on the water. Whether you forgot to pack yours or invited additional people on your boat and need extras, the Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program has over 1,300 locations nationwide, so that you can find one close to wherever you are boating. Find one near you at www.boatingsafety.com/map.