Safe Kids Columbus announces reopening of life jacket loaner stations

Columbus, Ga. (March 18, 2026) — Safe Kids Columbus and the River Safety Committee, in conjunction with their partners, have announced the reopening of its regional life jacket loaner stations and are reinforcing water safety as spring arrives.

These seven life jacket loaner stations are officially opened and ready for use during the 2026 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.

Life jackets at these stations may be borrowed for the day and returned at no cost. Loaner stations aim to have sizes from infant to Adult XL and are monitored and restocked, while supplies last, by volunteers from community partners throughout the season.

Each person 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. Life jackets are not inspected or maintained after each use and are borrowed at your own risk.

Safe Kids Columbus would like to thank the following life jacket loaner association captains who service the stations: Lake Harding Neighborhood Association, 1827 Real Estate, Kiwanis Club of Columbus, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Power and the Columbus Police Department.

Piedmont Columbus Regional is proud to be the lead agency for Safe Kids Columbus, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, which accepts monetary donations for the purchase of new life jackets by going to safekidscolumbusga.org and clicking the donate tab.