| Loaner Station Spotlight |
in the newsLIFE JACKET LOANER STATION SPOTLIGHTsThe Sea Tow Foundation will be highlighting life jacket loaner stations both here and on social media. These stations are great examples of successful life jacket loaner programs that continue to keep boaters safe. If you think a station should be spotlighted, please contact us. To view and share these posts, please go to our social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. FIND A LOANER STATION NEAR YOU USING OUR INTERACTIVE MAP PENNSYLVANIA - Mike Reynolds of Brinkman’s Bait & Tackle in Philadelphia, PA was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Sheldon Slusser from USCG Auxiliary Division 17-Penn Jersey at the ribbon cutting for the brand-new Life Jacket Loaner Station in April. Sadly, one week later Mike suddenly passed away. Mike was all about family, fishing, boating safety and the boating community in general. We honor Mike and all of those that promote boating safety in their communities! The station will continue on at Hyducks Marine Supply in Croydon, PA, keeping boaters safe. Posted June 20, 2023
NEW YORK - Having a local Sea Tow franchise in the same community as the Sea Tow Foundation has created a great partnership to promote boating safety. Sea Tow Eastern Long Island is always willing to lend a hand at events, for projects, and hosting and maintaining 3 life jacket loaner stations in the area. Posted February 17, 2023
HAWAII - Since the Coast Guard Auxiliary shut down in Kauai, the Sea Scout Ship Decisive have become the main advocates for boating safety in the area. The life jacket loaner station at the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor, was originally built as a quartermaster project for Sea Scott Tess Ramsey back in 2015. The newly cleaned up and restocked life station was recently dedicated with Mayor Derek Kawakami and representatives from USCG Station Kaua’i in attendance. Posted January 26, 2023
MISSISSIPPI -Sea Tow South Mississippi has been providing life jackets from their loaner stations twice a year to Fishing with Buddies, and the event is growing every year. Organized by MS Gulf Coast Buddy Sports, 34 participants with special needs had a safe day fishing while boating out on the water. Hosted by Shaggy’s, with additional support from Granny's Alliance, Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), the City of Pass Christian, Department of Marine Resources, all the wonderful captains organized by Captain Ronnie, and volunteers, they were able to provide this event free of charge. Posted November 18, 2022
KENTUCKY - Audrina Norman wanted to honor her stepfather, Troy Murphy after losing him to a drowning incident in 2018 while also helping prevent tragedies such as his from ever happening again. This project, which began as an idea of a young girl trying to honor someone she loved while promoting water safety and saving lives has now become something that will no doubt affect future generations for years to come. The Life Jacket Loaner Station located at Tompkinsville Veterans Park was made possible through a partnership with Audrina Norman, Maggie (Norman) Murphy, 4-H Leader Charlotte Arnett, several members of the community and Boating Education Coordinator, Marcus Bowling - USFWS Fisheries (Department of Fish and Wildlife). The group hopes to open a second loaner station in Monroe County soon. Posted October 19, 2022
GEORGIA - Spreading awareness about the Life Jacket Loaner Program using a digital billboard on a busy Columbus, GA road will save lives. Safety around the water is the focus of the River Safety Committee comprised of many public/private community partners collaborating to eliminate drownings and water related incidents in Columbus GA. With support from the Sea Tow Foundation and Academy Sports + Outdoors, the River Safety Committee manages 7 life jacket loaner stations along the Georgia and Alabama line, keeping residents and visitors to the region safe on the water. SafeKids Columbus Posted October 4, 2022
Would your group like to place a billboard in your region? We can provide the custom artwork you need for free. Reach out to info@boatingsafety.com! Help spread awareness about boating safety!
FLORIDA - An accidental drowning tragedy was the catalyst that started Swim for CJ which raises awareness for water safety and drowning prevention. Hosting 3 loaner stations at boat ramps in Hernando County continues their mission to keep kids safe when on and around water.
NEW JERSEY - Sea Tow Central New Jersey was asked to provide life jackets from their loaner station for the “Kids Police Academy” in their area. It was a great opportunity to support the New Jersey State Police Marine Unit, Barnegat Police, Strafford Police and Ocean Township Police for the day’s event which had 90 kids, even being able to talk to them about safe boating. Posted August 2, 2022
IOWA - The staff from U.S. Army Corp of Engineers – Rathbun Lake in Centerville, Iowa is pictured next to their new loaner stand. They are well-deserved Sea Tow Foundation grant winners who are always promoting water safety with their 2 life jacket loaner stations!
2024 SEA TOW FOUNDATION HERO AWARD
In recognition of their ongoing commitment to promoting responsible boating practices, the Sea Tow Foundation™ presented Sea Tow Eastern Long Island with the Sea Tow Foundation Hero Award at this year’s Sea Tow Services International Annual Meeting. Each year, a Sea Tow franchise is recognized for demonstrating outstanding commitment to boating safety and the Foundation’s mission. “This year’s Sea Tow Foundation Hero Award recipient, Capt. Brian Becker of Sea Tow Eastern Long Island has gone above and beyond to promote safe boating and support the Sea Tow Foundation’s programs,” said Gail R. Kulp, Executive Director of the Sea Tow Foundation. “His dedication and efforts set a shining example for others in the marine industry.” “It is an honor that Sea Tow Eastern Long Island received this year’s Sea Tow Foundation Hero Award,” said Capt. Brian Becker. “Promoting boating safety is at the heart of what we do and I am proud of the impact we’ve made in our community. Whether it’s through hosting two life jacket loaner stands or promoting the Sober Skipper Campaign at local events, we are committed to ensuring everyone has the resources and knowledge to stay safe on the water.” 2023 SEA TOW FOUNDATION HERO AWARD
In recognition of their ongoing commitment to promoting responsible boating practices, the Sea Tow Foundation is proud to name Sea Tow Smith Mountain Lake as the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Hero Award. The Sea Tow Foundation Hero Award celebrates exceptional dedication to fostering boating safety and is presented to a deserving Sea Tow franchise each year at the Sea Tow Services International Annual Meeting. |
