Samantha Koscher
If you headed out to your local
lake to catch a break from the heat this summer, you may have run into a new
addition at your local boat landing. This past summer, the Wisconsin Department
of Natural Resources began providing life vest loaner stations at public boat
landings.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources has always encouraged the wearing of life jackets by all boaters, and
law requires that all vessels have at least one wearable United States Coat
Guard approved life jacket, of proper size and fit, for each person on
board. Statistics show that wearing a
life vest can increase your chance of survival in the event of a boating
accident or capsizing. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,
from 2007 to 2011, 67 people in Wisconsin drowned in boating incidents, and 91%
of the victims were not wearing life vests. Also, In 2011 alone there were 23 boating fatalities
in Wisconsin, 13 were drowning related, and none of the victims were properly
wearing a life jacket.
Wisconsin has modeled its life vest
loaner station program to a similar, very successful program that started in
Alaska in 1996. Alaska’s program has been a huge success, beginning with 8
stations in 1996, and growing to 500 by 2011. The program aims to provide an
opportunity to ensure that all boaters and passengers have access to a life
vest before they head out on the water.
The program is run and primarily funded by the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources provides the plans and materials for the stations, but relies on
local organizations such as lake associations, youth groups, and rod and gun
clubs to build the stations. Once constructed, the stations are comprised of 32
life vests, and 4 floatation cushions. Each set includes adult, youth and
infant sized life vests. These life vests can be used, free of charge by the
public, and returned on an honor system for the next person to use. The
stations cost approximately $1,300 each after materials and construction, but
could prove to be well worth the investment in keeping boaters safe.
At present time, there are 3
operational stations at boat landings in Kenosha, Lake Arbutus in Clark County,
and the Cassville boat landing on the Mississippi river in Grant County. The
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources hopes to add several more of these
stations to boat launches across the state of Wisconsin in the near future.
Currently, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has budgeted $20,000
dollars for 2012 to continue to expand the program.
This program will provide a great
resource to help ensure all boaters have a safe and enjoyable experience. I
encourage readers to get involved in getting a life vest loaner station
established in your community. I would also
encourage all readers to make it a habit to wear your life vest at all times
while on the water and to inspect your boat before heading out on the water to
ensure that all passengers on board have a life vest that properly fits them. Take
this opportunity to stay safe, and don’t become another statistic.
References:
Smith, Paul A. "DNR Launches Flotation Device
Program." DNR Launches
Flotation Device Program. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 26 May 2012. Web. 17
Sept. 2012.
<http://www.jsonline.com/sports/outdoors/dnr-launches-flotation-device-program-se5i8h4-154574975.html>.
"Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources." Weekly News Article. Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources, 6 Mar. 2012. Web. 17 Sept. 2012.
<http://dnr.wi.gov/news/weekly/article_lookup.asp?id=2065>.
3 comments:
I would have to disagree with the life jacket loaner station. These stations cost money that can be spent elsewhere. The stations provide irresponsible citizens to have the proper amount of life jackets on the vessel. Majority of the boating related deaths occur due to no life jacket even though the boat had the proper amount of personal floatation devices. Maybe we should make a rule stating if the boat is in motion a life jacket should be worn.
I think its a nice idea, but it may not make a difference. The life jackets still may not be worn in the boat.
This sounds like a really great program. Many times I have found myself scrambling for lifejackets on my way out to the lake. Having them so accessible and FREE is a fantastic idea. Hopefully this will decrease and/or eliminate the number of boaters out there missing life jackets. It is also encouraging to hear that the program had so much success in Alaska. I would agree that the investment in these stations is well worth the safety of boaters.
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