Neighbor News
Safe Kids Austin Recognized for Water Safety Program
Safety program helps to reduce drowning fatalities and injuries for children
Dell Children's life jacket loaner program has recently been recognized by the Travis County Commissioners Court. The loaner stations provide individuals and families with life jackets to borrow and use free of charge which then get returned once the user is finished wearing it. With the help of several local organizations, including Safe Kids Austin, Colin’s Hope, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Local Colorado River Authority, 3 loaner stations have been built in Bob Wentz Park, Mansfield Dam Park, and Hamilton Pool Preserve. These organizations have also donated hundreds of life jackets over the years to help sustain the life jacket loaner stations. In 2006, Safe Kids Austin of Dell Children’s Medical Center initiated the life jacket loaner station program with the Travis County Parks and Recreation department.
On May 25, 2021, the Travis County Commissioners Court approved a proclamation honoring the Travis County Parks and Recreation life jacket loaner program.
May 2021 marks 15 years of service for the life jacket loaner program that continues to serve the community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four. Providing the community with water safety resources is essential for preventing drowning. Establishing and maintaining life jacket loaner stations has been one such method to ensure the safety of our community members around water.