The City of Key West is grateful to the Florida Keys Boaters' Association for donating 30 adult and six child-sized life jackets!
The life jackets are at the Key West Bight Marina Dockmaster's office. The island's main dinghy dock, the pump-out station, and a fuel station are all located at the Bight.
"We see nearly every dinghy that brings people ashore," said Key West Bight Marina Dockmaster Stan Loveday. "This allows us to provide lifejackets to those who need them."
He noted that it's perilous to cross Key West Harbor in a dinghy in light of recent winds. A lifejacket could prevent drownings.
The donation is timely, as Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest boating weekends of the year. Loveday says he hopes that others in the community follow suit, noting that many working families live aboard their boats and commute across the harbor to go home.
The Florida Keys Boaters' Association is a local group focused on boater safety and environmental protection. Loveday noted that they are active in marking hazards to navigation and other efforts to keep boaters safe.
