Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Surf Rescue is reaching out to the local community for help in maintaining a life-saving program. The team partners with the Sea Tow Foundation to keep its Life Jacket Loaner Program active. The program offers free life jackets to beachgoers at a loaner station near the water. Officials state that the jackets have repeatedly saved lives.

The Life Jacket Loaner Station is located at Alabama Point East, 28105 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561. The station gives visitors easy access to U.S. Coast Guard-certified life jackets at no charge. Officials encourage the community to help keep the station fully stocked throughout the beach season.

Orange Beach Surf Rescue requests residents and visitors to donate new or used USCG-certified life jackets. Donations can be dropped off at the Orange Beach Fire Rescue Administration Building, located at 25855 John Snook Drive. The building is next to Station 1, behind City Hall. Officials ask that all donated jackets be in good, usable condition.

There are several important rules for donations. Life jackets with mold, missing parts, or broken fasteners cannot be accepted. Only jackets that meet U.S. Coast Guard certification standards will be added to the loaner station. Keeping the jackets in good condition helps ensure that every beachgoer remains as safe as possible.

Once beachgoers borrow a life jacket, they are asked to return it to the stand when they are done. Returning the jackets helps the program continue serving others throughout the day. It also helps extend the supply of donated jackets as much as possible. Officials say each returned jacket could help save another life.

The Life Jacket Loaner Program has become an important part of beach safety in Orange Beach. Collaborating with the Sea Tow Foundation provides the program with extra support and visibility. Together, the two organizations are working diligently to decrease the risk of drowning at local beaches. Community involvement is essential for the program's success.

Anyone with questions about making a donation can call 251-981-6166. People can also contact us by email at bbarrontine@orangebeachal.gov. Orange Beach Surf Rescue welcomes support from individuals, families, and local businesses alike. Every donated jacket is one more tool to help protect a life at the beach.