For some time now, the Cedar Key Marina has made extra life jackets available to boaters who may need one, having added an extra passenger, miscounted his equipment, or experienced one malfunctioning.  The life jackets have hung on a pole at the Marina’s launch area. The jackets are for borrowing and returning at the end of a jaunt for others to use and assuring safer boating experiences.

Not enamored of the pole and concerned for public safety, Cedar Key Public Works Supervisor James Custer looked for alternatives. He soon found monies available through the Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Program.

Sea Tow’s mission, as noted on its website http://www.boatingsafety.com/about-us/, is “to promote safe boating practices that directly reduce accidents, fatalities and property damage related to recreational boating.”

Custer applied for the grant and established the life jacket display, replacing the pole, at the Cedar Key Marina. Take a look next time you go to the Marina.

While you are there, meet Judy Caddigan, the Cedar Key Marina superwoman and Marina attendant. Judy manages all the traffic, has all the answers, helps with the ticket machine, sees that folks park properly, and so much more at the Marina. She is the energetic, smiling lady in the orange vest.

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