Life jacket loaner stations setup in Lee and Charlotte Counties

Just in time for your Labor Day water activities, one company is setting up stations to loan life jackets to your family.

Sea Tow says they’ve seen one too many times what the dangers on. not having a life jacket on a boat can do to someone.

“Not only is it a law that you have to have a life jacket for everyone on board it’s a matter of safety,” said Captain Tom Carter with Sea Tow.

Since missing life jackets can lead to lives lost, Sea Tow figured they’d do something about it. The company decided to set up life jacket loaner stations throughout Charlotte and Lee counties.

They received funding from the West Coast Inland Navigation District.

“You look at the amount of deaths that occur on the water” and “A very high percentage of boater deaths can be prevented had they been wearing a life jacket,” Carter said.

One reason life jackets often aren’t worn or even purchased is because of cost.

“Rather than spending $100 or more to outfit your family for life jackets you can come here you can get what you need you have them and you bring them back,” said Captain Carter.

Sea Tow’s life jackets will be placed all along the Gulf, including Fishtail Marina off Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral Yacht Club and Rum Runners in Cape Harbor.

The only thing they ask is that everyone returns the life jackets once they’re finished.

“We do ask people to borrow them and bring them back,” Carter said.

Sea Tow operates more than 650 loaner stations across the country to ensure safer water activities for families and provides life jackets free-of-charge.