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Here's how to nab a free life jacket for your kid this summer
Summer is upon us — and water safety is paramount.
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Enis Yavuz
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Summer is upon us and that means it's time for beach days and pool parties. But, for young ones, this means it's also time to be water safe. Irvine is launching a Floatie Exchange Program on Saturday, where anyone can pick up free U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for kids aged 6 and younger.
There is one catch — you have to turn in a non-approved one first.
What if you don’t already have one? No worries. Keep reading and we’ll tell you how to get a free one.
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How do I know if my flotation device is U.S Coast Guard safe?
Just because something floats doesn’t mean it's safe. Check the label: U.S. Coast Guard approved floatation devices will all contain an approval number.
Why it matters
Drowning is one of the top causes of death for children. Making sure kids are supervised and wearing flotation devices when they are around water is critical. And, of course, learning to swim and water safety lessons are a must.
The Floatie Exchange Program is part of an effort to get unapproved flotation gear off the market and to promote supervision and water safety practices for young children.
Where can I get a free life jacket in Irvine?
You don’t have to be an Irvine resident to get one. Exchange a non-U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for an approved one from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 17, at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center.
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Actually, there is another catch: Parents or guardians will have to watch a safety video and fill in a waiver form before they get their freebie.
Free kids life jackets will also be available for pick-up — no exchange necessary — at the following city events:
- The Studio Arts Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 7 at Heritage Community Park
- Irvine Nights – Swift Nation Concert: 6 to 10 p.m. on June 7, at Great Park Live
- The Super Swim Lesson: 5:30 p.m. on June 27 at William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center
- Mid-Autumn Festival: 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 at Great Park
- Irvine Global Village Festival: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 11 at Great Park
Can I get one closer to me?
The Boat U.S. Foundation runs a free life jacket loaner program. Enter your ZIP code to find a pick up location closer to you.
What if I'm buying a life jacket? What should I look for?
The Orange County Fire Authority has great tips in this video for buying life jackets.
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