North County Fire/EMS supports life jacket loan program

For children ages 6-11, it’s not so important for them to wear life jackets on the beach, but they should wear them while on docks, boats, rafts, inner tubes and riverbanks. North County Fire/EMS and Snohomish County Safe Kids Coalition are making it possible for Kayak Point County Park to loan out life jackets free of charge this summer.

The loaner life jacket cabinet located at the park boat ramp opened for the summer season May 28.

Life jackets for children as well as adults will be available for daily checkout through Labor Day weekend. Even with life jackets, parents still need to keep a close watch on their children. Life jacket use is recommended for children 5 and under when they are on the beach as well as on docks, in boats, rafts or inner tubes, and near deep or swift water. For children ages 6- 11, it’s not so important for them to wear life jackets on the beach, but they should wear them while on docks, boats, rafts, inner tubes and riverbanks. Teens and adults should also use life jackets while on boats, rafts or inner tubes.

The water rescue team of North County Fire/EMS reminds everyone that if someone appears to be in distress or things do not look right, don’t hesitate to call 911.

Remember that every second counts.