Life jackets set out at county lakes, beaches

LAKE STEVENS — Snohomish County’s free life jacket loaner program starts back up on Friday.

Life jackets will be available for day use by swimmers and boaters, kids and adults, at cabinets around the county’s popular waterways, officials said.

The life jacket program is run by Safe Kids Snohomish County, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and Snohomish County Fire District 8 in Lake Stevens.

The cabinets are opened at dawn and closed at dusk, Lake Stevens fire spokeswoman Laana Larson said.

Borrowed jackets must be returned by the end of each day. The cabinets have directions for sizing and fitting. People also must first sign a waiver and a checkout form, Safe Kids spokeswoman Kristen Thorstenson said.

Cabinet locations are: Martha Lake, 16300 E. Shore Drive, Lynnwood; Twin Lakes, 16324 Twin Lakes, Arlington; Kayak Point, 15610 Marine Drive, Stanwood; Silver Lake, 11405 Silver Lake Road, Everett; Wyatt Park &downtown boat launch, 10508 Chapel Hill Road, Lake Stevens; and Flowing Lake, Weber Road, Snohomish.

Various fire departments also might have jackets available.

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.

Safety tips

•Never swim alone.

Inflatable water wings and innertubes are not safety devices.

Life jackets are not baby-sitters; keep children within view and reach at all times.

Jacket size and weight must be correct for the person wearing it, and it must be a snug fit.

All zippers and straps must be fastened.

These tips apply for home pools and spas as well.

Source: Lake Stevens firefighters and Safe Kids Snohomish County.

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