Since 2008, the Sea Tow Foundation has distributed over 106,000 life jackets to local businesses and organizations across the country. The over 1,300 life jacket loaner stations currently in operation are placed in locations where boaters will have easy
access to the life jackets, such as boat ramps, marinas, and parks. See the map here. Boaters may borrow the life jackets at no cost and are asked to return them when they are finished so that they are available for others to use.
The 2025 Grant Application is now closed. All grant-funded life jackets and loaner stand kits have been distributed as of May 29, 2025.
To be added to the notification list for when the next grant application opens CLICK HERE.
Click on the map below to find life jacket loaner stations across the country by entering a zip code or city/state, or by zooming into the area you would like to search. Click on a pin to view more details about the host, location description, and photos.
Yellow pins indicate locations with Sea Tow Foundation™ grant-funded life jacket loaner stations, including GPS coordinates and contact information.
Purple pins represent stations funded by other sources and shared voluntarily with the Sea Tow Foundation.
If your group has a loaner station that is not listed on the map, please use the Loaner Station Locations Form to add your information (limited to 10 locations per group).
DO YOU HAVE LIFE JACKETS TO DONATE?
If you have new or gently-used life jackets to donate, the Sea Tow FoundationTM can help you find a life jacket loaner station near you that can use them. Fill out this form and within a few days you will hear from us to connect you to a loaner station host in your area.
To be sure your life jackets are in serviceable condition to be used again, refer to the checklist below or to this blog on how to inspect a life jacket.
DOES YOUR BUSINESS HAVE SURPLUS LIFE JACKETS TO DONATE?
Due to an overwhelming demand for life jackets requested by applicants for the Life Jacket Loaner Program grant application, the Sea Tow Foundation is calling on the boating industry to save lives through life jacket donations. Read more here.
How to Fit a Life Jacket
The US Coast Guard requires that children under the age of 13 wear a life jacket whenever they are on an underway boat. Yet there are as many types of life jackets as there are types of boats. This can make finding the right life jacket for your child
seem overwhelming. The Sea Tow Foundation has simplified the procedure to just 4 steps to make sure you choose the life jacket that is right for your child.
Host a Life Jacket Drive to collect new and gently used life jackets to help restock an existing station or start a new one with community-donated life jackets. Click here for the Life Jacket Drive Manual and other free resources and materials.
PROMOTING YOUR LIFE JACKET LOANER PROGRAM
To help you promote your grant-funded life jacket loaner station, the Sea Tow Foundation designed this resource kit. This is a local effort, using media relations, social media, newsletter communications, and Sea Tow Foundation resources.
Request custom billboard digital
artwork for you group to use in your area.
Life Jacket SPONSORSHIP
Work with the Sea Tow Foundation to order a custom supply of life jackets featuring your company logo and information. • Design: Blue life jackets with white ink (pictured below) • Minimum order: 246 life jackets in various sizes • Custom signage with your logo For more details on the process and sponsorship fees click here.
TAKE THE SEA TOW FOUNDATION LIFE JACKET CHALLENGE!
To be added to the notification list for when the next grant application opens CLICK HERE.
Your organization can apply to become a Sea Tow FoundationTM Life Jacket Loaner Program Host. If selected, your group will be able to establish and maintain a new life jacket loaner station, stocked with life jackets in various sizes available for boaters to borrow free of charge for the day, promoting safety on the water. Options
include applying for both life jackets and a loaner stand building kit, life jackets only, or just the loaner stand building kit.
Your group can also apply for life jackets to supply participants at recurring events, or to equip your organization’s boats for public use. Or apply for a loaner stand building kit to establish a new loaner station or replace an older stand.
Current grant recipients do not need to apply each year to continue their program. Only apply if you want to replenish your supply of life jackets, apply for a loaner stand building kit, or establish a new life jacket loaner station location.
Groups that apply must be based in the United States and its territories.
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