More and more lake organizations are stepping up their water-safety measures by adding Life Jacket Loaner Stations at boat launches across the country. These stations make it easy for anyone heading out on the water to borrow a life jacket and return it when they’re done. It’s a simple idea with a big impact—especially since the most common boating citation in Wisconsin is the failure to carry enough life jackets on board.

Loaner stations come in all shapes and sizes, and communities can choose designs that fit their launch sites. Building them can be a great local project, too.

Schools with woodworking classes, technical colleges with carpentry programs, local construction companies, scouting groups, and handy community members often pitch in. Many hardware and building-supply stores are willing to donate materials as well.

Once a station is up, the next stop is stocking it. Grants from groups like the Sea Tow Foundation can help, and sporting goods stores, big box retailers, and local businesses (think taverns and boat dealers) often make great sponsors. Infant, child, and youth life jackets tend to be borrowed the most, which makes sense given that drowning is the leading cause of death for children under age five.

And if you’re wondering about theft, good news: it’s very rare. In fact, many stations report that donated life jackets far outnumber any that go missing.

Boatus.org has step-by-step instructions and resources to help you set up a Life Jacket Loaner Station on your lake. You can also check out the “Life Jacket Loaner Program” page on the Sea Tow Foundation website under “Programs and Awards” for manuals, program information, grant opportunities, and a map of over 1,300 stations across the U.S. boatingsafety.com

The Life Jacket Loaner Station on Eagle Spring Lake offers everyone a safe way to enjoy the water.