23-05-2025
Hampden County Sheriffs Office launches ‘Life Jacket Loaner Program' to prevent tragedies in our region's waterways
SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) – As the search continues for a missing canoeist on the Connecticut River near Holyoke, the Hampden County Sheriff's Office launched a new program to prevent further tragedies.
The sheriff's office launched a new 'Life Jacket Loaner' program. It aims to provide life jackets for those who may not have them readily available while out on the water.
As we gear up for summer activities on the water, the Hampden County Sheriff's Office is making sure people keep safety top of mind. Whether you're on a boat or a jet ski, accidents can happen, and we've seen this recently. Sheriff Nick Cocchi says a couple went canoeing in the Connecticut River without the use of a life preserver.
'The individual who went in just the other day was not a good swimmer. The person who survived was We don't want to put that at risk,' said Sheriff Cocchi.
That's when the Sheriff's Office started the Life Jacket Loaner Program. With the help of a nearly $5,000 grant from the Sea Tow Foundation, the program is putting life preservers in areas where people can borrow and return them for free.
Wearing a life jacket can help save your life and help bring everyone home after a fun day in the water by preventing drowning. 'Frankly, the temperature of the water. The power of the current is not conducive to even a good swimmer getting themselves to shore,' said Sheriff Cocchi.
A life jacket loaner station was installed at Brunelle's Marina in South Hadley, an area known to have boaters. It will be managed by the HCSO Marine Patrol Unit, trained in marine operations and emergency response.
'If something did happen while you're in there, there's some kind of sounding device. Some are bright in color, as you see the ones over on the side here, they're yellow. You could see that we know someone's in the water. It's very easy to be spotted and they'll keep you above the water the best they can,' said Captain of Lady Bea at Brunelle's Marina, Jamie Brunelle.
The goal is to get people to stay buoyant long enough until first responders arrive. The sheriff's office will be monitoring the inventory and holding people accountable for returning the life preservers.
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