LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Children’s Life Jacket Giveaway, presented by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Lake County Flotilla 88, was held on Saturday, June 29, at the gazebo in Library Park in Lakeport.

The flotilla’s program is designed to provide life jackets to children under 12 years of age, utilizing Coast Guard Approved Type 3 child and youth size jackets.

The public turnout was excellent, with more than 140 children receiving a free life jacket.

The Konocti Lioness Club donated the funds to purchase the life jackets and four members – President Anna Hess, Lonny Rittler, Leslie Rosier and Jan Flynn, with granddaughter Emily – helped with crowd control, registered and weighed the children with the assistance of flotilla member Bunny De Lope.

The children were fitted by flotilla members Gary Jolley, Phil Mammano and Kevin Kealey, and parents were given instructions on the proper wearing of the life jackets.

Immediate Past Flotilla Commander Roberto Morfin manned the information table and presented each parent with useful information on all phases of safe boating and staying safe in the water. Activity books for children also were distributed.

Both organizations agreed that if one child’s life was saved due to the wearing of the free life jacket, all their efforts were well worth it.

Their message to all is “Play safe, wear your life jacket.”

Dorothy De Lope is public affairs officer for Flotilla 88.