From CITY OF PERRYSBURG
Perrysburg resident Robert Courtney, a member of Boy Scout Troop 167 at St. Rose Church, has completed his Eagle Scout project by designing and installing five “life ring” drowning mitigation stations across the city to help improve public safety near the water.
The stations are located at Orleans Park, Hood Park – near the Perrysburg Boat Club, the Maple Street boat ramp, Simmons Pond, and Three Meadows Pond – near the playground. Each includes a life ring and rope, and instructional signage on emergency use and CPR procedures will be added soon.
Courtney, 17, who began scouting in 2013 as a 5-year-old Cub Scout, said his project idea came from his love of the water and a concern for how people could be rescued quickly in case of an emergency.
“I love the water, and one day we were out on a boat and I asked what if someone drowned – how would they be saved?” said Courtney. “I noticed there weren’t any life rings around Perrysburg’s water access points, and after researching, I realized this was something I wanted to do.”
The project took months of planning, coordination, and community support. Courtney worked with Perrysburg’s Department of Public Services to select the safest and most visible locations. Donations from local organizations helped make the project possible: Lowe’s provided materials, the Maumee-BG Elks donated $500 toward the life rings, and The Knot & Rope Supply in Perrysburg donated the rope for each station. Image360 contributed the signage designs.
“It was definitely a process,” Courtney said. “There was a lot of research, communication and building, but I had the support of my parents, troop and community. I knew if I didn’t push through, the project wouldn’t happen.”
Courtney dedicated his work to the memory of his late Scout leader, Mr. Patterson, who he said always encouraged him to reach for Eagle Scout rank.
“I know he would be proud,” Courtney said. “I hope these life rings never need to be used, but it’s good knowing they’re there and could save someone’s life.”
