Kids’ PFD Loaner Sites Established At Two Arizona Lakes

Loaner sites at Pleasant Harbor Marina on Lake Pleasant and Tempe Town Lake are among 45 new loaner sites established this year by the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water.

Some 400 locations nationwide provide a way for parents to borrow a properly sized children’s life jacket at launch ramps, marinas and waterfront businesses.

Since its inception nine years ago, BoatU.S. said, the program has saved the lives of at least three children. It is estimated that life jackets from the loaner sites are loaned out more than 50,000 times a year.

"Having life jackets for everyone aboard means having a life jacket that fits everyone," said Chris Edmonston, director of boating safety for the foundation.

"An oversized vest can easily slip off over a child’s head, so that’s where we can help boaters with our loaner program.

"We make it easy by bringing children’s life jackets right to the waterfront where boaters need them, and they are absolutely free," Edmonston said. "Once the family is done enjoying the water, they simply return the jacket."

Each loaner site is provided with a kit of 12 life jackets — a selection of infant, child, and youth jacket sizes and a protective storage bin.