With the beach season about to begin here in Southwest Michigan, life jacket loaner stations are now stocked and available for use along beaches in South Haven.
Pam Ford with Safe Kids Greater South Haven tells us the group sought community support to install the stations around area beaches about five years ago. The group has attracted support from all over the community with help of the Bronson Health Foundation.
There are a total of 15 loaner stations at beaches in and around South Haven. Each board has 20 jackets, and anyone can use one. Ford says they have made a difference.
“I do water safety education at the farm market on Wednesdays and I get a lot of feedback there,” Ford said. “Folks who have seen the jackets use the jackets, are grateful for the jackets. That’s wonderful feedback from the community.”
In addition to South Beach and North Beach in South Haven, the life jackets can be found at Oak Park Beach, Pilgrim Haven, Van Buren State Park, and Covert Township Beach.
South Haven Mayor Annie Brown says the jackets are a “simple yet powerful way to protect lives-offering peace of mind and safety” of users.
Safe Kids Greater South Haven is always looking for more support for the life jacket program. Anyone who wants to help can contact the Bronson Health Foundation.
