�鶹��ý 529, �鶹��ý Boating Safety Program, Partner to Provide Personal Floatation Devices to �鶹��ý Youth and Launch “Use Your PFD Wisely” Campaign

May 24, 2021 -- �鶹��ý 529 and the �鶹��ý Boating Safety Program have announced that they will be working together to help keep �鶹��ý youth safe, when on or near �鶹��ý’s ocean and waterways.

�鶹��ý 529 is stepping up to sponsor more than 6,200 new personal floatation devices (PFDs) at the 680 loaner stations in �鶹��ý.

Olivia Drown, Kids Don’t Float Instructor, said, “The Kids Don’t Float Loaner Board Program was developed to help address �鶹��ý’s high incidence of childhood drowning. Personal floatation devices have historically been thought of as a substitute for swimming ability, but with an increased understanding of the dangerous effects of cold water immersion, many �鶹��ý boaters are now realizing the importance of always wearing a life jacket when in an open boat or on deck, even for good swimmers. The loaner boards display PFDs that can be borrowed at no cost. In a collaboration between multiple state and federal agencies, as well as local grassroots sponsors, the program now has hundreds of loaner boards across the state. The program is known to have saved at least 36 lives so far.”

Lael Oldmixon, �鶹��ý 529’s Executive Director, says she’s excited about the partnership. “The �鶹��ý Permanent Fund Dividend is an important source of funds for those saving in �鶹��ý 529. Each year we tell people to use their PFD wisely. Well, the exact same message can apply to Personal Floatation Devices, �鶹��ýns should always use them wisely when around water! We’re delighted to bring two important PFD programs to �鶹��ý youth.” The new PFDs and loaner board sign will both display the “Use your PFD wisely” message.

As part of the agreement, �鶹��ý Boating Safety will begin updating the signage at its loaner boards stations. The refreshed signs will retain many of the familiar elements of the signs but will include �鶹��ý 529’s message and logo.

For more information visit or .