S.E. Thurston Fire Authority Team Up With Washington State Park and Recreation Commission
Stay on Top of It, a drowning prevention campaign developed by Seattle Children’s Hospital in Seattle, Washington has a particular focus on increasing life jacket use (also known as personal flotation devices or PFDs).
Being near the water poses a risk of drowning for children. S.E. Thurston Fire Authority, Lawrence Lake Association, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the United State Coast Guard teamed up to provide boat and swim safety practice at Lawrence Lake West; S.E. Thurston Fire Authority applied for the grant. Thank you for a job well done Captain Don Wilson, Career Firefighters/EMT’s Lieutenant Ann Holeman, Dean Bastin, Curtis Behrens, Michael Fogarty, and Mark Fritsch, and Volunteer Firefighters Gabe Lakin, Bobby Child, Cody Haisch, and Dustin Kirkham who worked with Doni Thomas of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Boating program.
Life jackets provide some protection from drowning, but is not a replacement for supervision. Understanding that selecting the right size life jacket and putting the jacket on properly is important.
The life jacket loaner program will have a simple, easy to follow check-out procedure. Clear written instructions and signs for parents and guardians will explain the procedure and fit of life jackets. There is also a release form (one time per swimming season with check-off of form for repeat uses/season) that will need signed by people using the life jackets. Sign-out sheet with date, age of child, size of life jacket, and check-off for signing release form.
Life Jacket Sizes
- Infant Up to 30 pounds
- Child 30 to 50 pounds
- Youth 50 to 90 pounds
- Adult Over 90 pounds
Please make sure when visiting Lawrence Lake, you take advantage of the Life Jacket Loaner Program. Be respectful and follow the procedures. Wear it here. Leave it here.
*Information provided by Seattle Children’s Hospital