The installation of a new life jacket loaner station led a potentially lifesaving reminder earlier this week.

On March 22, representatives from TowBoat U.S. responded to a call of a grounded vessel north of Cherokee Mills Park. The boat owner, Ruddy Morrow, was returning to the boat ramp in the park when he ran aground and was tossed overboard into Lake Allatoona. Although Morrow sustained no injuries he credits the newly installed life jacket loaner station for keeping him safe.

“I noticed a sign with life jackets hanging on it, and it reminded me to put my life jacket on,” said Morrow.

Loaner stations were recently installed at both Cherokee Mills Park located at 6900 Bells Ferry Road in Woodstock and Field’s Landing Park located at 600 Fields Landing Drive in Canton. The stations were provided in partnership by Safe Kids Cherokee County and Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency.

The new “use and return” stations are in addition to the 11 current stations around Lake Allatoona in Cherokee County. Cherokee Recreation and Parks will maintain the loaner stations at both parks.

“2020 was a record year for boaters, kayakers, canoers and paddle boarders on our lake and it’s looking like 2021 will be no different,” said Safe Kids Cherokee County Coordinator Lisa Grisham. “With the increase in people, there is always an increase in risk. We hope the addition of the new and easily accessible loaner stations will serve as a reminder to remain safe in the water.”

Each of the new loaner stations include information provided by the BoatUS Foundation to help users correctly size and wear the life jackets.

“The point is to use the life jackets when needed and use it correctly for the best protection,” said Grisham.

For additional safety information visit Safe Kids Cherokee County at www.safekidscherokeecounty.or