SAFEKIDS Cleveland County Establishes Life Jacket Loaner Stations

(SHELBY, NC) – Just in time for the Memorial Day holiday and the start of summer, SafeKids Cleveland County in
partnership with the HealthCare Foundation of Cleveland County has constructed and placed five Life Jacket
Loaner Stations at key public water access points in the area. Two stations will be situated at the Broad River
Greenway in Boiling Springs, two at Moss Lake in Kings Mountain and one at the new Lawndale City Park.

Each loaner station is equipped with 25 Coast Guard approved life jackets, ranging in size from infant to oversized
adult. Attached to each station are signs showing how to properly wear a life jacket and each is labeled “property
of SafeKids NC” for ease of identification and instructions on returning the life jacket after use. Funding for the
construction, signage and life jacket inventory was made possible by grants from the Albemarle Foundation,
Cornerstone Dental Associates and the North Carolina Division of the American Trauma Society.

In recent events, Cleveland County has experienced two tragic drowning deaths. A 10-year-old girl drowned in
the Broad River at the Broad River Greenway in June 2024. In addition, an 18-year-old boy drowned in Moss Lake
in March 2023. “Drownings are the second leading cause of accidental death in children,” said Jessica Crawford,
SafeKids Cleveland County Coordinator, adding, “If these loaner life jackets prevent even one person from
accidental drowning, they will be a success.”

Park officials at each life jacket loaner station location will monitor the inventory daily to ensure the correct
number of life jackets and sizes are available and replacing worn or missing life jackets as needed. Each life jacket
loaner station also displays a QR code where the public can make a secure donation if they wish, to help with
upkeep and equipment costs.

"Albemarle is proud to support initiatives that can enhance the well-being and safety for the citizens of Cleveland
County. Through our support, we aim to empower local organizations like the Healthcare Foundation of
Cleveland County and SafeKids Cleveland County that are making a tangible difference in the lives of community
members," said Sarah Degnan, community relations manager at Albemarle Corporation.

Additional information about the HealthCare Foundation of Cleveland County, their grant programs and other
initiatives can be found on the organization’s website, www.HealthCareFoundationCC.org

The HealthCare Foundation of Cleveland County is a 501-(C)(3) non-profit organization. All gifts are fully tax
deductible to the extent allowed by law.