Ascension St. Joseph Partners with Tawas Point State Park to Support New Life Jacket Loaner Station

TAWAS CITY, MI - Tawas Point State Park announced the opening of a new Life Jacket Loaner Station in partnership with Ascension St. Joseph Hospital, which is available to Lake Huron swimmers beginning the weekend of August 28. The station is located near the beach pavilion and holds life jackets that swimmers may borrow for free. The life jackets are available in sizes ranging from infant to adult.

Following a recent drowning at Tawas Point State Park, the Ascension St. Joseph Foundation reached out to Micah Jordan, Supervisor at Tawas Point State Park, to see if the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was interested in a Life Jacket Loaner Station at that location. The park was planning to create a station and welcomed the foundation’s help.

“We’re excited to play a part in supporting Tawas Point State Park to make this Life Jacket Loaner Station available to swimmers in our area,” said Shane Hunt, Hospital Administrator, Ascension St. Joseph Hospital. “This will ensure swimmers of all ages have proper-fitting life jackets which will go a long way toward keeping people safe while they’re enjoying the beautiful Lake Huron waters.”

The foundation collaborated with Redfield Construction of East Tawas who built the structure at no cost, Northeastern Window & Door of Harrisville for donating all the materials, and Print ‘n’ Go who donated a temporary sign while the permanent metal sign is being made. Ascension St. Joseph Hospital and Ascension St. Joseph Foundation supplied 25 life jackets for the station and will work with Tawas Point State Park to keep the kiosk stocked in the future.

“The opening of this new Life Jacket Loaner Station is a major achievement and we are thankful for the community partners that stepped forward to make this station happen and to ensure the public’s access to these life jackets,” said Micah Jordan, Supervisor, Tawas Point State Park. “With many visitors each year to our state park, we know these life jackets will save lives for years to come.”