Photo provided courtesy of Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks

On a calm afternoon at Centennial Lake in Ellicott City, MD, a woman suffered a medical emergency, collapsed, and fell face-down into the water from her kayak. Her friend began shouting for help, and because of the quick thinking of a nearby park visitor and the presence of a Sea Tow Foundation™ Life Jacket Loaner Station, the day ended with a successful rescue.

Matt Medicus, the Adventure, Nature & Outdoor Manager for Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks shared how the life-saving rescue unfolded. A park patron was teaching his nephew how to fish nearby and he heard someone call for help. Without hesitation, he immediately grabbed a life jacket from the nearby loaner stand for himself and swam out to help. He was ready to act and knew he had the tools to assist. Most importantly, he knew that a life jacket can make all the difference for both rescuers and those in distress. Soon after, staff members from the nearby boat rental arrived by boat and helped quickly bring the distressed woman back to shore.

The Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Stand has been at Centennial Lake for a decade.

“We applied for the Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Program 10 years ago. Then again two years later to expand. Today we have about 15 life jackets in all sizes. It’s been huge,” Matt said.

When the station was first installed, someone in the office warned Matt that the jackets might be stolen. His response? “That means they’re being used.” Of course, he hoped they wouldn’t disappear, but if they helped someone stay safe or give a second thought to boating preparedness, they were serving their purpose.

The woman rescued that day was an experienced boater  and was also trained as a lifeguard. She was comfortable on the water and was even wearing a life jacket; she was doing everything right. But even the most seasoned boaters and swimmers can face sudden, unexpected medical emergencies. “She told me the next day, she thought she’d done everything she was supposed to do,” Matt recalled. “And she had. That life jacket saved her life because it helped her rescuers.” Thanks to the quick response of the team and her own preparation, she was released from the hospital and is on the mend.

For Matt, the rescue at Centennial Lake isn’t just a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong, it’s a powerful example of how much can go right when the right tools are in place. His team always wears inflatable life jackets when on the water, and he emphasizes that safety isn’t just about how strong a swimmer you are. “You can’t swim if you’re unconscious,” he says.

Matt believes every public boat launch should have a Life Jacket Loaner Station. “The [Sea Tow Foundation’s] Life Jacket Loaner Program is easy to apply for,” he added. “Don’t waste time. It could save a life.”

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