Officials Unveil County’s First Free Life Jacket Loaner Station

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL – May 29, 2019 – On Friday, May 24, Palm Beach County officials, through a partnership with boating safety nonprofit the Sea Tow Foundation, held the grand opening of a new Life Jacket Loaner Station, available to Sunset Lake boaters in Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park. The station is the first of its kind in Palm Beach County.

The station – which is located adjacent to the boat ramp sidewalk –holds life jackets that local boaters may borrow and use, free of charge. Available in sizes ranging from infant to Adult XL, these life jackets help to ensure each of a boat’s passengers have access to necessary safety equipment. 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.

“This will help ensure boaters of all ages have enough proper-fitting life jackets, which will go a long way toward keeping people safe while they’re out enjoying the beautiful Sunset Lake waters,” said Laurie Schobelock, Aquatics Director.

Since 2008, the Sea Tow Foundation has distributed nearly 50,000 life jackets to local businesses and organizations across the country. These stations are placed in locations where boaters will have easy access to the life jackets, such as boat ramps, marinas and parks. With a focus on safe boating practices that result in fun on the water, the Sea Tow Foundation – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – was established in 2007 by Sea Tow Founder Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer. 

After his passing in 2015, Captain Joe’s legacy continues as the Foundation brings attention to the number of preventable boating-related accidents, injuries, and deaths, and directly addresses prevention methods through education and awareness. More than 550 life jacket loaner stands are now available across the United States and the Foundation’s Designate a Sober Skipper program continues to grow. For additional information on the Sea Tow Foundation and to locate a Life Jacket Loaner Station near you, visit www.boatingsafety.com.

About the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department
Sunset Lake is located in Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park at 12551 Glades Road, west of Boca Raton and is operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department. The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, recognized nationally for excellence in park and recreation management, operates more than 110 parks and recreational facilities and provides organized recreational programs and services for people of all ages and abilities. For recreational opportunities, visit www.pbcparks.com.