Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 5/7/2024
Item Status: New
From: Frank Lundy, P.E., County Engineer
Madison Steele, Parks Director
Submitted by: Audra E. Mize, Administrative Support Specialist IV
______________________________________________________________________
ITEM TITLE
Title
Life Jacket Loaner Program at County Boat Launch Facilities
End
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take the following actions:
1) Authorize the County Parks Department to install life jacket loaner box stations and supply life jackets at the following County maintained boat launch facilities:
Live Oak Landing
Cliffs Landing
Mullet Point Park
Seminole Boat Launch
The Launch at ICW
Lillian Boat Launch
Marlow Ferry
2) Authorize the Parks Director, in coordination with the County Engineer, to add additional life jacket loaner box stations at other County maintained boat launch facilities as needed; and
3) Recognize the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the North Baldwin Center for Technology, and the South Baldwin Center for Technology for their partnership on this project.End
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: In August 2023, CPL Jessie Peacock, with the ALEA Marine Patrol Division, presented to the Commission an idea of placing loaner life jacket stations at various County boat launch facilities. The idea stemmed from his experiences and observations on the water as a marine patrol trooper dealing with tragic drownings and simply encountering boaters without life jackets.
According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, there were 658 boating related deaths in the U.S. in 2021. 81% of these died by drowning and 83% of these people were not wearing life jackets. The intent of the Life Jacket Loaner Program is to increase the overall safety on local waters by providing loaner life jackets at County boat launches.
The County has partnered with the North Baldwin Center for Technology and the South Baldwin Center for Technology to construct seven (7) life jacket loaner station boxes. Students from both schools gained practical hands-on carpentry experience and the opportunity to be a part of a community project that could help save lives on our local waterways.
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: $550.00
Budget line item(s) to be used: 14457200.52190
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Madison Steele, Parks Director
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): N/A
Additional instructions/notes: N/A