At the Sea Tow Foundation, we're passionate about boating safety and are proud to highlight some of our incredible 2024 Life Jacket Loaner Program awardees. This year, we've hit a major milestone – we officially have Life Jacket Loaner Stations established in all 56 states and territories. This means more communities than ever will have access to free, properly fitting life jackets to help prevent drowning incidents.

Thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, we’ve awarded life jackets to 116 groups across 45 states and territories. Of these, 49 are opening Life Jacket Loaner Stations for the first time. Many of these communities were motivated by local water-related tragedies, showing the profound impact of our program.

Here are two inspiring stories from our recent recipients:

Troop 37's Mission for their Town of Swanville

After the tragic drowning of 41-year-old Christopher N. Friedrich at Swan Lake, the Town of Swanville was deeply affected and saw the urgent need for life jackets. Cindy Boguen, the local Selectboard Chair, noticed many boaters without life jackets on the water. After seeing a life jacket station at another site, Cindy reached out to a local boy scout troop bout installing a stand at a nearby boat launch. As part of his Eagle Scout project, Aidan Howard from Boy Scout Troop 37 applied for life jackets from the Sea Tow Foundation and built the loaner stand, which will have a profound and lasting impact on his community.

This award means a great deal to Aidan and his town. “A loaner stand will make it easy for people to access life jackets when they need them. The Town of Swanville believes that these measures will help to make Swan Lake a safe place for everyone to enjoy.”

Preventing Future Tragedies: Marina at Amesbury Point’s Commitment to Water Safety

Amesbury, Massachusetts, was greatly impacted by multiple drowning incidents two years ago, resulting in the loss of six lives, including a 4-year-old child. Bill Neelon and the Marina at Amesbury Point wanted to prevent future tragedies and improve water safety in the community. Through the Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program, they’re establishing a life jacket loaner stand to provide essential safety gear and educate boaters about local water risks.

“Each waterway and river is unique and poses different currents and challenges,” Bill said. “If we can prevent one incident because of these life jackets, then we have won at some level.

These are only two of the numerous stories that highlight how local leaders and the Life Jacket Loaner Program awardees are making a real difference in their communities. Through the dedication of hard working volunteers and the support from the Sea Tow Foundation, life jacket loaner stands are enhancing safety, one jacket at a time. By continuing to expand this vital program, we can ensure that even more boaters are protected, creating safer waterways for everyone. The commitment of our Life Jacket Loaner Station hosts and the collective effort of all involved highlights the importance of proactive safety measures in preventing future tragedies.

To learn more about the Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program, visit: https://www.boatingsafety.com/page/life-jacket-loaner-program