Safe Kids Columbus launches life jacket loaner stations along the river

COLUMBUS, Ga. ( WRBL ) — In an effort to promote river safety and prevent water-related accidents, Safe Kids Columbus spearheaded the launch of seven life jacket loaner stations.

The initiative, announced during a press conference held on Tuesday morning at Lake Oliver Marina, marks a collaborative endeavor with the River Safety Committee and local organizations spanning Muscogee County, Harris County, and East Alabama.

Each of the seven stations is equipped with 10 life vests, catering to all age groups from infants to adults in extra-large sizes. With the goal of providing accessibility, two sizes are available per station, ensuring a comprehensive range for users. Every station’s signage is in both English and Spanish, alongside pictorial instructions for easy comprehension.

The stations are monitored weekly by the River Safety Committee to check for any broken lifejackets or to replace any that might be missing.

According to Pam Fair, Director of Safe Kids Columbus, the goal of the initiative is to establish a life jacket loaner station at every boat ramp across the region. The River Safety Committee and local organizations meet each year during the boating season to discuss how to improve safety on the water.

“We work to develop an injury prevention plan, and water safety is definitely a part of that. We develop an action plan and we come together, all sorts of agencies and groups come together, and we talk about what is, what do we need to make our river even safer each year,” shared Fair.

Those interested in donating can directly contact Safe Kids Columbus or make drop-offs at the designated locations or by emailing Safe Kids Columbus. Additionally, for parents seeking personal life vests for their children, Safe Kids will host the “River Savvy Kids Free Lifejacket” event on Saturday, May 4, at Blanton Creek Park, in Harris County from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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