Columbus, Ga. (March 5, 2025) – Safe Kids Columbus and the River Safety Committee, in conjunction with their partners, hosted a press conference announcing the opening of its life jacket loaner stations in our region and reinforcing water safety as spring arrives with high water levels in our area.

These seven life jacket loaner stations will officially open and be ready for use in mid-March for the 2025 boating and water recreation season:

• Lake Oliver Marina— 5501 River Road, Columbus, Ga.
• Goat Rock Lake Marina— Peggy Lane Boat Ramp in Fortson, Ga.
• Po Boys Landing— County Road 334, Salem, Ala.
• Long Bridge Boat Ramp— County Road 379 Salem, Ala. (Near Backwaters Marina)
• Valley Park Recreation Area/Boat Ramp— Off County Road 369, Valley, Ala.
• Idle Hour Boat Ramp— Off Mountain Drive in Hamilton, Ga.
• Blanton Creek Campground— 6111 Lick Skillet Road in Hamilton, Ga.

These stations have life jackets people may borrow and return at no cost for the day. Loaner stations have sizes from infant to Adult XL, and are monitored and restocked by volunteers from community partners throughout the season.

Each user who borrows a life jacket is obligated to inspect the life jacket prior to use and return it clean and in good working order for the next user. The life jackets are not inspected or maintained after each use. Life jackets are borrowed at your own risk.