Become a Life Jacket Loaner Location

Unstaffed Pilot

In the unstaffed pilot model, a borrower visits a participating location where life jackets are available without on-site staff. The borrower selects a life jacket, scans the QR code, and completes the required checkout form. The form includes a mandatory return date that the borrower must acknowledge. The site is responsible for determining and providing an accessible location for the life jackets, including any structures needed to display or store them (i.e. Loaner Boards or racks)

After use, the borrower returns the life jacket to the original pickup location and scans the QR code to complete the return process. If the jacket is not returned within the specified time frame, automated reminder emails and/or texts messages will be sent at predetermined intervals until the jacket is returned.

Staffed Pilot

In the staffed pilot model, the borrower scans the QR code on the jacket to complete the required checkout form. The attendant provides the jacket, and the completed form is automatically sent to both the site and the BoatUS Foundation.

If the jacket is not returned within the agreed-upon timeframe, the site is responsible for contacting the borrower to facilitate retrieval of the jacket

Digital Locker Pilot

The digital locker pilot utilizes a secure, automated storage system equipped with electronic locks to store the life jackets. Users access the lockers through a digital access method, such as a mobile application, to unlock the container and retrieve a life jacket.

Before accessing a locker, users are required to provide necessary information through a web-based platform. A similar process is used to document the return of the life jacket once it is placed back into the locker

Apply

Complete the online application for the program. Applications close Friday, April 10 at 11:59PM ET.

Review

Applications are reviewed within one month of submission. Applications will be judged based on the following criteria:

• is intended for boating public
• in an area with a demand for loaner life jackets
• is a highly visible location
• has regular hours for staffed locations
• will conduct local promotional efforts
• will provide feedback to BoatU.S. Foundation on a quarterly basis

Site Approval

If the site is awarded, all materials will be provided to your organization free of charge. Each site will receive a kit containing:

• 12 jackets in Infant, Child, Youth and Adult sizes with return tags
• promotional signs and flyers
• sample press kit to aid in local promotion
• educational signs and flyers

Life Jacket Loaner Program Application

Produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the U.S. Coast Guard

Pilot Site Participation Requirements

Requirements for ALL Pilot Sites

• Display all of BoatUS’ marketing materials for duration of the pilot.
• Actively promote the Life Jacket Loaner Program using provided materials.
• Provide regular reporting and program metrics to BoatUS Foundation.

Unstaffed Loaner Board Site must agree to:

• Place the loaner board in a highly visible location
• Conduct regular inspections to ensure:
  • Jackets are stocked
  • Jackets are in usable condition
• Communicate with the Foundation if:
  • Jackets are not returned
  • Inventory is running low

Staffed Loaner Board Site must agree to:

• Oversee the digital checkout process
• Hand out life jackets to patrons
• Jackets are stocked
• Inspect jackets for usability before and after use
• Follow up with patrons to ensure jackets are returned
• Promote the Life Jacket Loaner Program using Foundation-provided materials

Digital Locker Pilot Site must agree to:

• Allow the locker to remain installed for one year from installation
• Ensure the locker is:
  • Visible
  • Accessible to the public
• Acknowledge that usage data will be collected
• Let BoatUS Foundation know if damages are present
• Promote the program using Foundation-provided marketing materials

Placement Requirements

• Space: Site can accommodate a 6 ft × 3 ft footprint for the unit.
• Sun exposure: has direct sun exposure to support the solar panel.
• Connectivity/Utilities: No external power or Wi-Fi is required (unit uses solar + celluar service).
• Surface: Concrete surface is preferred.

ACCEPTABLE SURFACE ALTERNATIVES:

• Gravel is acceptable (second choice).
• Grass is acceptable only if the site can place a base/material underneath