The Sea Tow Foundation – a nonprofit organization dedicated to safe boating practices – has announced it will be partnering with marina management company Oasis Marinas to host three Life Jacket Loaner Stations at marinas throughout the D.C. metropolitan area.
During 2018, Oasis Marinas will help launch and operate life jacket loaner stations at its managed properties, including: The Yards Marina in the nation’s capital; Coles Point Marina in Hague, VA; and Harbor East Marina in its hometown of Baltimore, MD. In 2019, Piney Narrows Yacht Haven in Chester, MD, will also offer a station. Each stand will hold 18 life jackets, adding to the 35,000 life jackets already available nationwide through the Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program.
“Having three Life Jacket Loaner Stations set up in the nation’s capital is huge, especially considering the area’s strong boating culture,” said Gail R. Kulp, the Sea Tow Foundation’s executive director. “Oasis Marinas shares many of the same ideals we hold dear at the Foundation, so partnering with them to help save lives on their home waters was an obvious choice.”
The relationship between Sea Tow and Oasis Marinas dates back to last fall, when the two marine companies partnered to offer marina discounts through the Sea Tow Savings Club. The Sea Tow Foundation joined the conversation to discuss the addition of the life jacket loaner program at select Oasis Marinas locations through its Sport Fish Restoration & Boating Trust Fund grant as administered by the U.S. Coast Guard.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to further work with Sea Tow,” said Paige Holden, vice president of marketing for Oasis Marinas. “We encourage our boaters to explore the waterways and have a great time when they are out – making safety a priority is an important part of a great boating experience. These Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Stations will play a big role in helping boaters make good safety decisions and we are proud to offer them at a number of our Chesapeake properties.”
The three new loaner stations are expected to open in June, just in time for the area’s busiest boating months. For more information on the Sea Tow Foundation and to find a Life Jacket Loaner Station near you, visit boatingsafety.com.