Town Launches Life Jacket Loaner Program with Support from the Society of United Professionals
Subscribe
Back to Search
Just in time for the beginning of beach season, a $2,500 donation from the Society of United Professionals Bruce Power Local has helped support Saugeen Shores in launching its new Life Jacket Loaner Program. Beginning this May long weekend, life jackets, ranging in size from kids to Adult (XL), will be available to borrow free of charge at the Port Elgin Main Beach.
“It’s a simple fact that wearing a life jacket significantly reduces your risk of drowning while out on the water,” says Mayor Charbonneau. “We are proud to team up with the Society to increase accessibility to these life saving devices so that residents can safely enjoy the beautiful Lake Huron waters.”
“This is a unique and exciting program that provides easy access to life jackets to the community and visitors who use the Port Elgin Main Beach,” says Matt Barfoot, Unit 4 Director for the Society of United Professionals. “Our region is fortunate to have access to all that Lake Huron has to offer, but with that comes significant water safety risks, which this program will help to lessen.”
Life jackets will regularly be inspected by an aquatics team member while the program is active. The Town will evaluate the program at the end of the 2024 season to determine the possibility of its expansion to other recreational beaches in future years.
Life Jacket Quick Facts
-
Wearing a lifejacket or PFD is the most effective way to reduce boating-related drownings in Canada.
-
Wearing a lifejacket or a PFD can prevent 90% of boating-related drownings.
-
Most people who drown are within 15 meters of safety.
-
Lead by example and help make sure that all passengers on your boat have properly secured their lifejackets or PFDs.