With a generous $3,000 donation from St. Luke’s Health System, Boise Parks and Leisure Center, the Boise Fire Department and Idaho River Sports have teamed up again to put life jackets into the hands of children and families who may not have access. This Successful Community Collaboration The partnership provides Idaho families with access to an important water safety resource as they visit the pools in and around Este Simplo Park in Boise.
“Giving free life jackets to anyone who swims in Quinn Pond or Esther Simplot Park is an important part of our mission to encourage safe recreation every summer,” said Doug Holloway, director of Boise Parks and Recreation. “We appreciate the support of St. Luke’s and all of our community partners who continue to make this a priority for our residents and guests.”
St. Luke first gave the city of Boise a life jacket grant in 2018. Since then, the partnership has allowed hundreds of visitors to the park to safely restore it on and off the water each year. All life jackets, life jackets, or personal life-saving appliances used in the water must be approved by the US Coast Guard. The free life jackets offered under this City of Boise program are properly certified.
Visitors to the pond are advised to stop by Idaho River Sports before heading down to the water for family members who need a complimentary life jacket suitable for swimming. There are also life jacket rentals at Queens Pond Beach and the Children’s Beach area of Esther Simplot Park. From teenagers to adults, life jackets are available in a variety of sizes. We encourage users to borrow jackets whenever possible and then return them to park rentals or the Idaho River Playground so others can take advantage of this essential resource when visiting the city’s pools.
“The Boise Fire Department strongly recommends the use of life jackets and all other personal protective equipment associated with water recreation, especially on the Boise River,” said Boise Fire Department Special Operations Chief Paul Roberts. “Rivers and other bodies of water often appear calm and non-threatening, but without a life jacket, the situation can quickly change, leading to poor results. This procedure is important because it directly prevents this.”
St. Luke’s Children’s Trauma Team has not forgotten the importance of water safety. Every year they look after children who have an accident on the water. Drowning occurs quickly and silently and can occur in less than 60 seconds at a depth of less than 2 inches.
“We want summer water activities to be safe for all ages. We hope these life jackets, combined with close adult supervision, will increase our children’s safety in all types of water. Take a layered approach to ensure perfect water safety – without distractions adult water watchers, life jackets properly worn, and swimming lessons for children can greatly improve swimming safety,” says Dr. Kenny Bramwell, medical director of St. Luke’s Children’s System.
You can watch the Boise City Water Safety PSA video for more safety tips for swimming in ponds and other local waters.
Post time: Oct-31-2022