Free Life Jackets Loaned to Anyone in Need–Now in 1,000 Locations Across the US, Saving Lives

What started in 2008 as a single life jacket loaner sales space for boaters to borrow any measurement preserver earlier than happening the water, has now was the world’s largest life jacket loaner program.

And, they crossed an enormous milestone final month, establishing location no 1,000 on the seaside in Clearwater, Florida.

This system now operates loaner stations in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands—all due to a Lengthy Island, New York captain.

Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer saved seeing boating accidents and tragedies that would have been prevented, so he determined to begin the nonprofit Sea Tow Basis in 2007 to offer the training and assets to get rid of them.

He began the Life Jacket Loaner program the next yr to stop drowning by offering free life jackets that boaters of any measurement can borrow and return on the finish of their outing.

The lifelong seafaring New Yorker handed away in 2015, however his legacy lives on via the efforts of the inspiration and his daughter Kristen, who’s now president of the board.

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“Since 2008, we’ve distributed over 90,000 life jackets,” stated Gail Kulp, the group’s Govt Director.

“We consider that monetary struggles or lack of entry to assets ought to by no means be an impediment to security.”

“It’s actually game-changing when somebody places on a life jacket,” in response to Capt. Kahle, the Commander of US Coast Guard in St. Petersburg. “The statistics don’t lie—life jackets save lives.”

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“This implies an terrible lot from an outreach and training standpoint,” stated Brian Rehwinkel, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fee. “In case you don’t have a life jacket, you’ll be able to’t put on one. With this program there’s no purpose for somebody to exit on the water with out one.

Happening the water and want a lifesaver? Try the map of every loaner location, here. Folks can donate life jackets, too, in response to the Foundation’s website.

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Be taught extra about starting your own Life Jacket Loaner Stand, or make a tax-deductible donation to the Sea Tow Basis on their web site, BoatingSafety.com.

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