There’s a growing push for more public water access, and most of us who love the Bay want everyone to enjoy it. But with all that boating, paddling, and waterfront fun comes a big safety concern: falling in!
It can happen with a simple misstep, an unexpected turn in the weather, a wake from another boat, or a slippery deck. Children and teens, even those who can swim, should always wear a life jacket. If the water is chilly, or the person falling overboard is entangled or suffers an injury, swimming skills will only take them so far.
The BoatUS Foundation is on a mission to make kids’ Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) just as easily accessible as boat ramps and public launch spots. They’re looking for marinas, waterfront restaurants, businesses, first responder agencies, and other organizations on the water to become BoatUS Foundation Kid’s Life Jacket Loaner program sites…for free.
Host sites receive a dozen children’s life jackets in a variety of sizes from infant to youth. The BoatUS Foundation includes signage and a local publicity kit to let people know the business or organization has PFDs to lend out. BoatUS Foundation will replace the life jackets as wear and tear take their toll.
All that participating businesses need to do is supply a secure and dry protected storage area and track life jacket usage with a clipboard sign-out system. Host sites give feedback to the BoatUS Foundation annually about the condition of their life jacket supply and whether any need replaced.
BoatUS member donations pay for the program, so the responsibility of the host business or organization is relatively small.
“We know that sometimes a boater may not have a suitable life jacket when a youngster comes aboard,” says BoatUS Foundation program administrator Lynne O’Hearn. “We’re looking for partners who are willing to make these life jackets available to the public for the day or weekend. We supply everything you need, and there is never a charge to borrow a life jacket.”
A few dozen sites around the Chesapeake Bay region already participate in the BoatUS Foundation’s kids’ loaner program, but opportunities abound for new ones.
Nationwide, there are more than 550 BoatUS Foundation life jacket loaner sites. Over the program’s three decades, more than a million recreational boaters have reached for a loaner PFD. It’s a simple way for kids and young adults to get the right-sized life jacket for boating, sailing, or even fishing off of a pier.
The National Safe Boating Council’s “Wear It” program urges life jackets for everyone on board. The numbers are clear nationwide, 75 percent of boating deaths are drownings. Of those victims, 87 percent weren’t wearing a life jacket. The numbers are broken down in this sobering graphic:
Since 1997, three children’s lives have been saved by a BoatUS Foundation loaner life jacket.
Organizations and waterfront businesses can apply to become a loaner site for free here: BoatUS.org/Life-Jacket-Loaner. Boaters can suggest the program to their favorite marina, restaurant, or other spot they frequent on the water.
