7/13/2012

Life jackets for young Klineline Pond swimmers enhance safety

Contact

Anne Johnston, Public Health Phone: (360) 397-8000 ext. 7337 Brian Potter, Vancouver Clark Parks & Recreation Phone: (360) 487-8323

Vancouver, WA – Children who need or want help to stay safely afloat in Klineline Pond now can borrow one of several life jackets on loan at the popular Salmon Creek-area swimming hole.

About a dozen life jackets in various sizes – infant through adult – are available for free while swimmers cool off and play at Klineline Pond. The life jackets are stored in a shed next to the concession stand. Users are asked to return them to the shed before heading home.

“Life jackets, if properly worn, save lives. It’s that simple,” said Anne Johnston, Safe Kids Clark County coordinator. When a properly fitting life jacket is fastened, it should be snug, but comfortable. When lifting the shoulders of the jacket, the child’s chin and ears should not slip through.

The life jacket program is sponsored by Safe Kids Clark County, Fire District 6, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation and Public Health. The storage shed was donated by Salmon Creek Fred Meyer.

Safe Kids Clark County reminds parents to:

• Have a designated water watcher; never leave children unattended.
• Teach children to swim.
• Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation for emergencies.
• Create barriers around pools, spas and other standing water.

Safe Kids Clark County regularly updates its Facebook page with tips for keeping children safe. Sign up at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Safe-Kids-Clark-County-WA/161262450655533.

For information on activities at Klineline Pond, please go to
http://www.cityofvancouver.us/parks-recreation/parks_trails/parks/salmoncreek.asp.

top of page