Just in time for National Safe Boating Week, the Sea Tow Foundation announced a record-breaking year for its Life Jacket Loaner Program, with 9,990 life jackets distributed to communities around the country, the highest number in a single year. This year, the program received its highest number of applicants on record, with roughly half existing Life Jacket Loaner station providers.
“Each year, we see firsthand how important it is to make life jackets easy to borrow,” says Gail R. Kulp, executive director of the Sea Tow Foundation. “As we head into National Safe Boating Week, this record level of interest reinforces that communities across the country are looking for real, tangible ways to ensure boaters are prepared before they head out with the proper size and number of life jackets for everyone on board.”
2026 life jacket station awardees span a wide range of organizations, include U.S. Army Corps of Engineers locations, state and local parks, community and civic organization, municipalities, first responders, schools, businesses and healthcare organizations.
In addition to life jackets, demand for loaner station building kits continues to grow, demonstrating the need for expanded safety access points in communities nationwide. To help execute, the Sea Tow Foundation has developed a set of Life Jacket Loaner Station Building Plans and Designs that allows groups to build their own loaner stations.
“Life jackets save lives, but only if they’re worn,” adds Kulp. “By increasing access in the places where people are already boating, we’re making it easier for families and boaters to make safe choices before an emergency happens.”
For more information or to find a loaner station near you, visit boatingsafety.com/page/life-jacket-loaner-program.
