Free gear: New life jacket loaner station opens at Montgomery Marina

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Life jacket loaner station: Yellow life jackets hang on a rack beside a lake, under a "Life Jacket Loaner Program: Borrow & Return" sign
Free loaner life jackets ready for boaters along the Alabama River. (Leo Hall / Montgomery UP)

A splash of good news has arrived for local boaters and river enthusiasts! The Alabama River Foundation has officially partnered with the Sea Tow Foundation to bring a brand-new life jacket loaner station to Montgomery.

Located at Montgomery Marina right behind Capital Oyster Bar, the station provides free life jackets for boaters, paddlers, anglers and families enjoying the Alabama River.

Round hanging sign reading "The Montgomery Marina" mounted on a wooden post against a blue sky
Vintage signage marking the entrance to Montgomery Marina. (Leo Hall / Montgomery UP)

The process is simple: community members can borrow a life jacket at no cost and return it after their outing so it’s available for others. Have extra gear lying around? Residents can also donate unused life jackets in good condition to help keep the station stocked.

Expanding outdoor recreation + water safety in Montgomery

Montgomery Marina dock with a "Sip-n-Cycle Pedal Cruise" pontoon boat, signs reading "This dock for boat owners & their guests only," "No swimming, no diving in harbor," and "All boats subject to statutory liens," with a boat shed and wooded shoreline behind
A view of the boat docks situated along the riverbanks in Montgomery. (Leo Hall / Montgomery UP)

Since 2008, the Sea Tow Foundation has helped distribute more than 120,000 life jackets nationwide, with over 1,500 loaner stations located at marinas, boat ramps and parks. Now, Montgomery is officially part of that nationwide impact.

Dedicated to celebrating, preserving and promoting the river through environmental education, conservation and recreation, the Alabama River Foundation sees this setup as a key step forward for community safety.

“This partnership is another way we can make the Alabama River safer and more accessible for our community. We want everyone to enjoy the river, and having easy access to a life jacket can help save a life.”

– Stuart Lackey, executive director of the Alabama River Foundation

Visit the new life jacket loaner station at Montgomery Marina

Yellow sign reading "Life Jacket Loaner Program, Borrow & Return," with QR code and boatingsafety.com website listed
The new Sea Tow Foundation life jacket loaner station at Montgomery Marina. (Leo Hall / Montgomery UP)

Whether you are planning a weekend paddle or catching fish along the bank, make sure to visit this new life jacket loaner station before heading out on the water.

Will you be stopping by the new life jacket loaner station before your next trip out on the Alabama River? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook.

Leonard Hall
Leonard Hall

Leo Hall joined Montgomery UP as a content producer in May 2026.

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