Palatine Fire Deparment loans life jackets for children

Posted May 24, 2015 1:00 am

Submitted by Palatine Fire Department

The Palatine Fire Department has partnered with the BoatU.S. Foundation to provide free, loaner life jackets for children. The program is in response to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics that show about 10 people a day die from unintentional drowning and children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates.

Families can check out children's life jackets for a week for use while vacationing, at a local pool, boating, or any water-related activity.

Life jackets provided by the BoatU.S. Foundation are designed for children over 5 pounds. The department has 88 life jackets in four sizes, up to young adult.

To check out life jackets, call (847) 202-6340 or stop by Station 82, 1475 N. Hicks Road; Station 83, 987 E. Palatine Road; Station 84, 220 W. Illinois Ave., or Station 85, 39 E. Colfax St.

Loans require a copy of a driver's license. When possible, bring the child so a firefighter can properly size the life vest. Remember, "Life jackets float, you don't."

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