Squadron looking to kick off life vest initiative on the island
By MEGHAN BRADBURY
mbradbury@breezenewspapers.com
The Sanibel Captiva Sail & Power Squadron is taking on an initiative to help bring safety to boaters.
“Many boating issues or tragedies occur due to lack of life vests being worn,” America’s Boating Club Sanibel Captiva Sail & Power Squadron Commander Kelly Seaman said.
She said currently there are life vests available at the Sanibel Captiva Road fire station, which is way down by Bowman’s Beach.
“Many other Florida boat launches and marinas allow their local Squadron to place life vests near their boat launch, so boaters needing an extra vest or the right sized vest can borrow the vest from the station,” she said.
Seaman said the Sea Tow Foundation of Fort Myers provides all the life vests at no cost with sizes ranging from infant to oversized vests. With a connection with the general manager, Bobby Scott, she said, their squadron would like to locate a Life Vest Loaner Station at the Sanibel Boat Launch near the pay station.
“We are working with the city on the design, location and approval process. Several council members are aware of our initiative. Once we get all the details complete, we will meet with the city manager,” Seaman said.
She said the personal flotation device life vest loaner program is part of the United States Power Squadron all over the country. Seaman said the program is great for those who launch a boat or use a boat and do not have the right size life vest or are missing a size.
“You take one, use it and put it back. Sea Tow replenishes it whenever it is needed,” she said. “A Life Vest Loaner station will create an easy way for boaters to ensure all of their passengers have a vest with the correct size.”
Seaman said they have everything in place to implement the first life vest station. She said an idea for the first station is on the backside of the pay station that is currently located at the boat launch on Sanibel, as there is a roof over the structure and nothing located on the backside.
If the city approves the initiative, Seaman said they would love to move it to as many locations as possible, potentially the Sanibel Marina, Jensen’s, and briefly off island to the launch on the other side of the bridge.
“We are trying to get our first win with the public launch, the most obvious, to put it to start,” she said.