LUCERNE, Calif. — On Saturday, July 15, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 08-08 of Lake County distributed free life jackets for children at the Konocti Bait Shack in Lucerne.

Owner John Jensen provided a shady deck for the giveaway activity as well as cold drinking water.

The Flotilla was assisted by the Konocti Women’s Service Club, which made possible this free life jacket project.

The children were weighed, qualified Flotilla members fitted the proper size for each child, and the parents were advised on the proper wearing of the life jacket.

Whistles were attached to the life jackets and the child was instructed to blow it if they were in the water and needed help.

The Flotilla provided oil spill packets to owners of boats with instructions on the packets’ use.

Information pamphlets and brochures on safe boating practices were given out as well as children’s activity books.

The Flotilla and the Konocti Women’s Service Club thank the parents who were concerned about safety in the water for their children and attending this event.

All were advised to play it safe and wear their life jackets.

Dorothy De Lope is public affairs officer for Lake County Flotilla 08-08.