Borrow a life jacket for free at Martha Lake and Lake Ballinger

Free life jacket loaner stations will open on May 23 at Martha Lake County Park and Lake Ballinger Waterfront Park, offering jackets for children and adults. The initiative, led by South County Fire and Snohomish County Safe Kids, aims to enhance water safety awareness and reduce drowning incidents. According to outreach manager Shawneri Guzman, the stations will be available until Labor Day and will operate on an honor system, with visitors encouraged to bring their own properly fitted jackets. Guzman also stressed that adult supervision is crucial around water, as drowning can happen silently within seconds. The program is part of a broader effort by Safe Kids Snohomish County, which works to eliminate preventable injuries in children through education and safety device distribution.

Parents should avoid distractions and stay within reach of young swimmers to ensure their safety. Water temperatures can be deceptively cold, even on warm days, necessitating extra caution. In emergencies, individuals should call 911 immediately.