As we're reminded every May during National Safe Boating Week, every person who sets foot on a boat of any kind is encouraged to wear a life jacket.
But what if the boat owner doesn't have enough for everyone?
The Peace River Sail and Power Squadron, the local unit of the United States Power Squadron®, maintains life jacket loaner stands at various boat launch ramp locations throughout Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. On a weekly basis, they replace missing, dirty, or damaged jackets. The stations provide only Coast Guard-approved life jackets that are available to use while boating. Simply return the jacket when you're done.
The program is part of the Sea Tow Foundation’s nation-wide Life Jacket Loaner Program, an effort to ensure that every person on a boat wears a life jacket. Sea Tow estimates that over 12,000 Coast Guard-approved life jackets have been provided over the last three years.
All boaters in the area are encouraged to take advantage of this service. After all, safely is the best way to explore and enjoy our waters.
Life Jacket Loaner Locations in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach
Ainger Creek Park, 2011 Placida Road, Englewood
Bay Heights Park, 1000 S. McCall Road, Englewood
Boca Grande Marina, 220 Harbor Drive, Boca Grande
Burnt Store Marina Boat Ramp, 3192 Matecumbe Key Road, Punta Gorda
Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, 4400 Lister Street, Port Charlotte
El Jobean Boat Ramp, 4224 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte
Fishermen’s Village Marina Fuel Dock, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Gasparilla Marina, 15001 Gasparilla Road, Placida
Harbour Heights Park, 27420 Voyageur Drive, Punta Gorda
Laishley Park Marina (Office), 100 Nesbit Street, Punta Gorda
Placida Park, 6499 Gasparilla Road, Placida
Ponce de Leon Park, 3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway, Punta Gorda
Port Charlotte Beach Park, 4500 Harbor Boulevard, Port Charlotte
Spring Lake Park, 3520 Lakeview Boulevard, Port Charlotte
Windmill Village, 215 Rio Villa Drive, Punta Gorda
We hope you have fun, safely boating in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach!
