New Life Jacket Loaner Station in Concord
July 09, 2010
Concord, NH
Whether it's during vacation or part of an ordinary day, boating can be fun for the entire family-as long as everyone remains safe. Just in case you forgot your child's life jacket, families in Concord can now borrow a life jacket down at the newly installed Kids Don't Float Life Jacket Loaner Station by the New Hampshire Technical boat ramp on the Merrimack River. This station was made possible through the generous support and hard work of Concord Fire Department, Boy Scouts of America/Troop 86, New Hampshire Technical Institute, Lowe's Concord Store # 2617 and Safe Kids NH/Injury Prevention Center at Children's Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD).
"On a boat, everyone should wear a life jacket at all times," says Jim Esdon, Safe Kids NH coordinator. "Look for a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. 'Water wings' and other inflatable swimming aids such as inner tubes do not prevent drowning." In New Hampshire it's the law for children 12 and under. Additionally it is important to provide close, constant and capable adult supervision. Whenever children are in or around water, be it a pool or open body of water such as the Merrimack River, a supervising adult with swimming skills should be in the water, within arm's length, providing touch supervision. Those supervising should know CPR and be able to call for help.
Remember, life jackets are common sense for all, but if you forgot yours, go to the Kids Don't Float Life Jacket Loaner Station.
For more information or if you want to help support this station call the Safe Kids NH at 1-877-783-0432.
For more information, contact Debra Samaha at (603) 653-8360.
