Boating supplies retailer West Marine was awarded a regional letter of commendation from the National Water Safety Congress for its outstanding contribution to water safety.
The award was established to recognize councils, organizations, programs, activities or individuals who have made lifetime achievements or significant or outstanding accomplishments in promoting water safety.
Through West Marine's Youth Boating Grant, the company donated life jackets to the Alabama River Lakes Loaner Life Jacket program. West Marine's donations were distributed to more than 100 children during the summer recreation season.
"Supporting youth boating programs is one of the pillars of West Marine's donations program," Randy Repass, founder and chairman of West Marine, said in a statement. "We want children to get out on the water and enjoy boating. To have a pleasurable experience, they must have comfortable and cool life jackets."
Non-profit organizations with a boating focus may be eligible for the West Marine Youth Boating Grant.
