The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources is starting a program that will offer boaters free access to life jackets they can borrow.
The department is working with local groups and other public agencies to build and install life jacket loaner stations, with the first five stations scheduled to be installed in Anderson, Madison, Monroe, and Warren counties — Warren County Parks and Recreation plans to install stations at Phil Moore Park and Romanza Johnson Park near Alvaton. The parks provide public access to Drakes Creek.
“We are fortunate in the commonwealth to have an abundance of places to enjoy a day on the water, and I am grateful for those who have come on board to support such an important boating safety initiative,” Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Rich Storm said. “The statistics don’t lie; wearing a life jacket can save your life when the unexpected happens on the water. I’m confident that others will see the value in providing life jacket loaner stations at waterbodies in their communities. I encourage prospective partners to contact us to help offer this life-preserving resource at more locations across Kentucky.”
The life jacket loaner stations will be stocked with assorted sizes of U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets provided by the Sea Tow Foundation, and display signage with instructions on how to properly fit and wear a life jacket. Boaters may borrow the life jackets at no cost. The stations will be monitored and inspected regularly.
Individuals or groups interested in partnering with Kentucky Fish & Wildlife on a new life jacket loaner station may complete an application form available on fw.ky.gov. If you have questions about the form, contact Marcus Bowling at marcus.bowling@ky.gov or 1-800-858-1549.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
