MIAMI — The Sea Tow Foundation hosted three loaner stations containing more than 400 life jackets for individuals and families to borrow for free at this year’s Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, which wraps up today at the Miami Marine Stadium.
“We didn’t want to miss the opportunity to present the importance of boating safety to the more than 100,000 people expected to attend this year’s show,” said Michael Wesolowski, director of external affairs for the Sea Tow Foundation, in a statement. “With thousands of kids attending, it’s a great chance to plant the seeds early on how important life jackets are in boating.”
The initiative is part of the foundation’s national Life Jacket Loaner Program, which has provided more than 350 life jacket stations to boaters on waters across the United States. If someone is without a life jacket, they can visit a station and borrow one for the day, free of charge.
“Boater safety and education help ensure an enjoyable experience on the water, and through this partnership with the Sea Tow Foundation and Onyx Outdoor, we are able to share that message directly with visitors to the Miami Boat Show,” said show manager Larry Berryman. “The life jacket loaner stations are a safety resource and educational program reinforcing the importance of life jacket readiness and proper wear.”
The life jacket stations at this year’s show are available to boaters through a collaboration between the show’s organizer National Marine Manufacturers Association, Onyx Outdoor and the Sea Tow Foundation.
“Having our life jacket loaner stations at the Miami International Boat Show is a fun way to educate the public about the importance of wearing life jackets, while also providing a sense of safety to those visiting the show,” Wesolowski said. “Anyone wanting that extra security, especially parents of infants and children, can find a life jacket that fits, then, once they’re finished walking the docks, return it for someone else to use.”
