CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. -- A coastal mom and pre-school teacher is trying to make the beach safer for visitors.

• Susie VanGuilder of Emerald Isle is teaming up with the fire department to organize a life jacket drive
• She is asking the community to donate new and gently used life jackets that can be stored at lifeguard stations and borrowed by the public
• Drop boxes are located at The Reel Outdoors and Chapel by the Sea in Emerald Isle

Susie VanGuilder of Emerald Isle is teaming up with the fire department to organize a life jacket drive.

She is asking the community to donate new and gently used life jackets that can be stored at lifeguard stations and borrowed by the public.

“I think if you’re at a public beach access where there’s lots of people and sometimes there’s drinking going on, it would be really nice to arm the children with something to keep themselves safe,” said VanGuilder.

The fire department will inspect each life jacket for safety.

Drop boxes are located at The Reel Outdoors and Chapel by the Sea in Emerald Isle.