PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Drowning accidents are more common than most people realize. According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, three out of four boaters who die in boating accidents drown, and 87% of them were not wearing a life jacket.
“The number of drowning deaths in the United States each year is not in the dozens or hundreds, but in the thousands,” said Panama City Beach Platoon Commander Tony White.
Therefore, new measures have been added to Carl Gray Park in Panama City to ensure the safety of all swimmers and boaters. It’s a new life jacket station. Panama City partnered with the Seato Foundation and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to introduce a lifejacket loan program at the park.
“I think it’s great that families have this opportunity to pick up some life jackets, throw them in the boat, put them on, come back, and take them back down again. And we’re really lucky.” Participation We have enough,” said Keith Mefford, director of Panama City Parks, Culture and Recreation.
As a result, visitors can now rent life jackets for boating and swimming for free. All sizes are available from infants to adults.
“If you’re coming from out of town, or you don’t have a life jacket with you when you come to Carl Gray Park, all you have to do is take it off the rack, put it on, and always remember to buckle it. Above. Now you’re ready for a fun day of boating and swimming,” said Captain White.
The city and the Coast Guard are asking people to return their life jackets when they are finished using them so others can use them.
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