A new partial Life Jacket Loaner Program at Port Elgin Beach offers life jackets to borrow free of charge for Child to Adult XL.

by Kiera Merriam

A recent donation from the Society of United Professionals Bruce Power local supported Saugeen Shores in launching a new partial Life Jacket Loaner Program.

The $2,500 donation helped the Town make life jackets available to borrow for some free of charge at the Port Elgin Main Beach beginning with the May long weekend. Available sizes range from Children's sizes to Adult XL, however Adult sizes XXL and up are not part of the program.

“It’s a simple fact that wearing a life jacket significantly reduces your risk of drowning while out on the water," said Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau in a May 17 media release. “We are proud to team up with the Society to increase accessibility to these life saving devices so that residents can safely enjoy the beautiful Lake Huron waters," Charbonneau said.

“This is a unique and exciting program that provides easy access to life jackets to the community and visitors who use the Port Elgin Main Beach," said Matt Barfoot, Unit 4 Director for the Society of United Professionals. “Our region is fortunate to have access to all that Lake Huron has to offer, but with that comes significant water safety risks, which this program will help to lessen.”

While the program is active life jackets will be inspected regular by an aquatics team member and the Town will evaluate the program at the end of the 2024 season to determine the possibility of expanding to other beaches in future years.

In a "Life Jacket Quick Facts" the press release said that wearing a life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is the most effective way to reduce boating-related drownings in Canada; that wearing a life jacket of PFD can prevent 90 percent of boating-related drownings. And lastly, that most people who drown are within 15 metres of safety.

"Lead by example and help make sure that all passengers on your boat have properly secured their lifejackets or PFDs," the release said.

For more information about water safety, visit www.saugeenshores.ca/en/explore-and-play/beaches.aspx#Waterfront-Safety-Guide.