TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. – Life jackets save lives. So, to help get more children into life jackets when they’re in and around water, Treasure Island Fire Rescue is hosting a Life Jacket Giveaway and Water Safety event on Friday, May 26, in Treasure Island.
The event will take place at Gulf Front Park, 10400 Gulf Blvd., from 9 a.m. to noon.
TIFR will be handing out free life jackets for children as well as supplying educational material about water safety, swimming lessons and more.
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Research shows that more children ages 1-4 die from drowning than any other cause of death.
For children ages 5-14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes.
“This is why it’s important to ensure your child wears a life jacket when boating, swimming, or playing around any body of water,” said Treasure Island PIO Jason Beisel.
Life Jackets are one of the most important pieces of safety gear that you can have when you are on or near the water.
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Life jackets help to keep you afloat in the water, even if you are not a strong swimmer. They can also help to protect you from cold water shock, which can happen when you fall into cold water, and your body temperature drops quickly.
The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved the lives of over 80 percent of boating fatality victims. That’s why it is so important to always wear a life jacket when you are on or near the water.
Here are some tips for choosing and wearing a life jacket:
- Make sure that the life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard-approved.
- Choose a life jacket that is the right size for you. It should fit snugly but not too tightly.
- Make sure that the life jacket has a crotch strap to keep it in place.
- Practice putting on the life jacket before you need it.
- Wear the life jacket at all times when you are on or near the water.
Life jackets are an essential piece of safety gear. By wearing a life jacket, you can help to keep yourself safe on the water.
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