Life jacket loaner station is now at Alabama Point for the public to borrow when needed
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (WKRG) — Orange Beach Fire Rescue and Orange Beach Surf Rescue received a grant for $2,000 from a boat safety non-profit, Sea Tow Foundation, to make a life jacket loaner station.
Alissa Jacques with Orange Beach Fire Rescue said she came up with the idea to bring a more accessible aid to beachgoers.
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“We have Coast Guard-certified life jackets, and we have a loaner station that’s a one-time donation to this community,” Jacques said.
The loaner station is located on Alabama Point, which is the most dangerous spot to swim and participate in water sports, according to Orange Beach Surf Rescue.
Orange Beach Surf Rescue Chief Brett Lessinger said the lifeguards stay busy near the pass.
“Our rescues here at Alabama Point East, they happen quick,” Lessinger said. “There is a steep drop-off and a strong current that runs through here so the lifeguards are called to duty almost on a daily basis.”
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The life jacket sizes vary from infant to extra-large adult sizes. The jackets are available for swimmers, boaters, kayakers and paddle boards.
Orange Beach resident Johnathan Smith said the loaner station is a great idea.
“I think it’s very nice for people to have some type of way to be able to float if they cannot swim because this current is pretty strong right now, in case anyone does get hurt, and there is no one around they can have something to at least keep them safe,” Smith said.
The life jacket station will be out at Alabama Point all season long. Orange Beach Surf and Fire Rescue urged people to use them and return them when finished.
Orange Beach Fire Rescue also said if you have any life jackets in good condition that you do not need, feel free to drop them off at the fire department, and they will be used at the loaner station.
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