The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary is teaming up with Transport Canada to establish stations around the province to supply personal flotation devices on loan.

The need is even greater with more people taking to the water during the expanded recreational cod fishery.

President Jim Chidley says PFDs save lives and to-date ten stations have been set up with life jackets, but they’re looking for additional donations from the public.

He says the goal is to have PFDs available in as many locations as possible.

“I don’t have a number, nor will we ever put a number on it, but we’re trying to get into every community that we can.” Said Chidley, “You know, people say ‘I wants to take a loan of your PFD’, well you (also) got to wear it. Don’t just take ‘a loan’ of it – it’s not a seat cushion.”