News Release from: Hillsboro Fire and Rescue
LIFE JACKETS BACK ON LOAN AT HAGG LAKE
Posted: May 10th, 2013 12:24 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2013-05/1821/64179/Safe_Kids_PFD_Kiosk_at_Hagg_Lake_05102013.jpg (Photo caption: Chief Roger Mesenbrink with newly stocked kiosk at the Boat Ramp C Recreation Area. )
Starting today, visitors to Hagg Lake in Washington County will have life jackets to borrow for their children who plan to swim in the popular lake thanks to the Safe Kids Washington County Coalition. Every year at this time the group of public safety-minded volunteers provides personal floatation devices or PFDs at two locations: the Sain Creek Picnic Area and Boat Ramp C Recreation Area.
"Both of these areas attract a lot of families with children," said Fire Chief Roger Mesenbrink, from nearby Gaston Rural Fire Protection District. "We want to ensure that the kids who swim here are safe." Gaston Rural Fire District firefighters along with the Washington County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol respond frequently to the lake for emergencies.
Safe Kids Washington County provides the loaner life jackets each summer in an effort to prevent drowning accidents from occurring.
"We know the jackets get used a lot," said Chief Mesenbrink. "We want to remind citizens that it's important to return the jackets to the loaner stand when they are finished so that others may use them."
Area citizens have contributed both cash and children's life jackets to support the effort. Safe Kids Washington County, led by Hillsboro Fire Department, is a coalition of citizens and public safety educators whose mission is to reduce unintentional injuries and deaths in children ages 0-14 years.
Safe Kids Washington County urges parents to:
* Keep your eyes on your children at all times when they are near or in the water
* Stay within arm's reach of very small children when they are near or in the water
* Have your children wear U.S. Coast Guard - approved life jackets in and around open water.
* Watch your children even if they have had swimming lessons
* Have adults take turns being the "water watcher" when with a group of adults and children
* Learn swimming and safety skills, like Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation also known as CPR
* Have a cell phone with you when children are swimming. However, refrain from texting or talking while supervising children in swimming areas.
Visit http: http://www.safekids.org/poolsafety for more water safety information.
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