PANAMA CITY — A new life jacket rental station was unveiled Monday at Carl Gray Park.
Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary joined Panama City staff and Seato representatives to unveil the project. The rental station is a large sign with hooks, life jackets, and boat safety information. Life jackets are intended for use by boaters in the park and are required to be returned after spending time on the water.
“Whether you don’t have a life jacket, lose your life jacket, or pick up an extra passenger who needs a life jacket, get the right size, fit, and enjoy your day on the water. You can take it and turn it back in for other people to use,” said Tony White, a platoon commander with the USCG Auxiliary in Panama City Beach.
White noted that historically boaters have been less likely to not return their life jackets.
Sea Tow is a company that supports boating on the water and has a foundation that issues grants to community partners. The USCG Auxiliary was selected for the loan station grant and went to the city with the idea for the project. Panama City selected the site and constructed the building.
Carl Gray Park was chosen as the location for the rental station for several reasons. Two of the main reasons are the park’s high boat traffic and the fact that renovations are already underway.
“People now have a way to retrieve lost life jackets rather than risking harm on the water,” White said.
Another auxiliary group member said 85% of drownings after boating accidents are people not wearing life jackets. He said not putting on a life jacket before a water accident is like trying to put on a seatbelt after a car accident.
White said improving boating safety is one of the auxiliary’s major efforts. The lifejacket rental program is a nationwide effort, with rental stations as far north as Maine and as far south as Key West.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to partner with Seato and the Coast Guard, and we’re excited to have this opportunity,” said Keith Mefford, Panama City’s Director of Parks, Culture and Recreation. “It was a great opportunity to save lives and educate young boaters.”
Mefford said he hopes to open more life jacket rental locations in other parts of Panama City in the future.
