Flotilla members Betty Strach, Gary Jolley and Gary Dromi along with proud new life jacket owners. Courtesy photo.

CLEARLAKE – On Saturday, May 15, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 8-8 of Lake County held their annual free life jacket giveaway for Lake County children.

The event was held in front of Wal-Mart's in Clearlake, and made possible by a grant from Wal-Mart for purchase of the life jackets.

Ten flotilla members registered, weighed, sized and fitted 80 life jackets and instructed the parents the proper way for wearing the life jackets.

Instructions were given on water safety and especially on child safety in case of emergency while in a boat out on the water.

By noon, all of the life jackets had been given away and the booth was closed.

Flotilla members received many thanks from grateful parents and guardians.

National Safe Boating Week is May 22 through May 28 and Flotilla 8-8 is dedicated to promoting safe boating and encourages everyone to wear their life jackets while on the water and adopt the slogan “WEAR IT!”

Flotilla 8-8 team for the Life Jacket Giveaway: (left to right) Phyllis Finlayson, Dan Fish, Nita Collins, Gary Jolley, Patricia Gerhardt, Gary Dromi, Betty Strach, Jerry Collins, Charles O'Neill-Jones and Jack Gerhardt. Courtesy photo.