Life jackets available to borrow at Clute Park

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WETM) — Boaters and kayakers on the southern end of Seneca Lake can stay safe even if they don’t own life jackets thanks to a life jacket loaner tree.

The Finger Lakes Chapter of America’s Boating Club (ABC-FLX) installed the life jacket tree at the Clute Park kayak and boat launch on the southeastern end of Seneca Lake. The tree holds life jackets of all sizes, and visitors can borrow and return them for free.

The club also has a life jacket tree at Clute Park’s boat launch on the canal, but it’s temporarily not being used due to construction. Club members will stock the second tree with life jackets after the parking lot construction is done.

Swarthout’s Take a Child Fishing Derby coming up, registration open

ABC-FLX maintains life jacket trees and offers educational classes to make sure everyone has a safe and fun experience on the water. Anonymous donors have left life jackets on the trees to help the club’s efforts to save boaters and kayakers’ lives.

“We are especially grateful to anonymous donors who have left brand new life jackets at the trees,” said Phil Cherry, commander for ABC-FLX. “Their support of our commitment to boating safety is very encouraging.”

America’s Boating Club is the largest non-profit boating organization in the U.S. and has nearly 30,000 members across more than 350 chapters. Boat ownership is not required to join. Those interested in the Finger Lakes chapter of this organization or the safety courses it offers should visit ABC-FLX’s website or Facebook page.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.