More People taking advantage of Life Jacket Loaner Board

More public recreation fatalities occur in July than any other month with drowning the leading cause of death. That is why it is so important to wear a life jacket when enjoying activities on Upstate lakes. In Oconee County, there is a life jacket loaner board at each park, explains Oconee County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director Phil Shirley. “This was a partnership with the Keese Foundation. Their story is on each life jacket loaner board. We want people to be safe, we want people to enjoy the resources and we want them to know that it is there. If you are hesitant, if you are not a good swimmer, if you are going into the water, put on a life jacket. It doesn’t take long and we’ve got plenty of them. We actually just acquired some more. We get the Keese Foundation to donate a bunch ever summer. This is a great program because if save one life, then we have done our job, but we want everyone to be safe. We hate to hear when things don’t go like they’re supposed to when you are out enjoying the water. So, find a life jacket loaner board, if it is empty go to the office, it is possible we have some extra in the office, but we try to keep 12-15 that is what fits on each board, but on busy days they get out and get gone.” U.S. Army Corps of Engineers public recreation fatality statistics show that 89% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.