Georgia Power installed a Lifejacket Loaner Station at the Sinclair Dam Boat Ramp, known as the ‘Tail Race,’ on July 14 as part of Georgia Department of National Resources (DNR)’s SPLASH program.
Sergeant Bubba Stanford with the Georgia Department of National Resources coordinated the project and explained that it has been an ongoing initiative between Georgia Power and Georgia DNR for over a decade to improve water safety.
“This has been an ongoing project around the boat ramps of Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee,” said Stanford. “The stations work on a loaner system where you take one and return it after use.”
Based on the numerous tragedies and calls in the area, Stanford hopes that the loaner station will increase the number of individuals who wear life jackets.
According to the Georgia DNR SPLASH webpage, the lifejackets donated can be new or used, as long as they are in good, serviceable condition. All lifejackets must be U.S. Coast Guard approved and lifejackets donated are inspected by a Game Warden prior to being put into service.
“I hope the public sees them and they take the initiative to put on a life jacket and save a life,” said Stanford. “I have never recovered a drowning victim who was wearing a life jacket. Life jackets are what save lives.”
Stanford stated that he has already begun a discussion with the board in charge of the Oconee Greenway boat ramp and that there are plans to install a loaner station there.
“It is important to take the initiative and wear a life jacket or personal flotation device. If you do not have one, please use the loaner station and return the life jacket afterward,” said Stanford.
The Milledgeville Police Department posted a photo of the loaner station and shared their gratitude to Georgia Power and Stanford for coordinating the project.
While the post received positive reception, some commenters expressed concern about the life jackets being stolen and leaving the station empty.
“They (the loaner stations) are at most other boat ramps in Baldwin County, and it’s worked fine. Yes, you’re going to have some come up missing and it is to be expected,” replied Major Linc Boyer to a commenter. “We’ve had multiple people reach out wanting to donate lifejackets for replacements when some go missing or damaged. If one lifejacket is left on the board and it saves one life, then I consider it a success.”