Local fire departments loan life jackets

With the recent blue skies and sunny weather, the sparkling waters of Lake Tye and the Skykomish River are looking more and more inviting. That's why the Monroe Fire Department wants to promote swimming safety by inviting families to participate in its free life jacket loaner program.

Families are welcome to participate in the program by stopping by the Monroe Fire Department (163 Village Court), near the Monroe Library (1070 Village Way). Monroe Fire Department staff will work with families and children to ensure the proper life jacket fit.-á

The check-out process is quick and simple.-á Life jackets can be checked out at no charge for different lengths of time, depending on the needs of the family.-á

The life jacket loaner program is made possible through a collaborative effort between the Monroe Fire Department and Safe Kids of Snohomish County, an organization dedicated to preventing childhood injuries. The program is meant to ease the burden of expensive family outings, as life jackets can be costly to purchase.-á

"Life jackets are expensive,GÇ¥ said Monroe Fire Department Firefighter Kurt Schneider. "[But] they save lives.GÇ¥

Loaner life jackets are also available at the Sultan Fire Department (304 Alder Ave.), near downtown Sultan. People planning on boating down the river are welcome to drop off Sultan loaners at the fire department in either Monroe or Snohomish. -á

For more information about the life jacket loaner program, visit washington.providence.org/hospitals/regional-medical-center/services/womens-and-childrens-health/safe-kids.-á

To comment on this story, write to editor@monroemonitor.com.-á