The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors gave the go-ahead for the county’s parks department to apply for a $100,000 grant to install a new boat launch and storage shed to augment the safety center at Castaic Lake.

“This will be in addition to the launch they already have at the lake,” said Tony Bell, spokesperson for Supervisor Mike Antonovich. “It will improve accessibility and safety for lifeguards who are protecting swimmers and boaters on the lake.”

[view:node_ad=5] The proposed launch will be 18 feet wide and 95 feet long. Also included in the grant request is a 30’X40’ storage shed. Both will be installed adjacent to the Boating Instruction Safety Center at the lake. The grant is being offered by the State Department of Boating and Waterways.

“This launch will be used by boating instruction and safety class participants,” explained Kay Michaelson, spokesperson for L.A. County Parks and Recreation. “It will also provide an additional emergency exit that will be used by lake lifeguards during high winds and other weather conditions and eliminate the need to transport vehicles to the other boat ramp used by the public.”

Michaelson said that the new ramp will save instructors’ time and offer more opportunities for program participants. No target date was set for the ramp’s construction.