The City of Heath has announced the opening of a new Loaner Life Jacket Station at Terry Park, providing residents and visitors with free access to U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets to help make water recreation safer.

Partnership with Cook Children’s

The station was installed through a partnership with Cook Children’s, whose Lifeguard Your Child injury prevention initiative works to reduce childhood drownings by increasing access to properly fitted life jackets at public water access locations throughout North Texas.

“Drowning remains one of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related deaths among children in Texas,” said Mayor Jeremiah McClure. “This partnership with Cook Children’s is a simple but meaningful way to promote water safety and provide families with another resource to help protect their loved ones while enjoying our parks and lake.”

Cook Children’s provided the materials, signage and a supply of life jackets in multiple sizes at no cost to the City. Bobby Gladu and his team at Artisan Masonry & Granite and Heal-Corp constructed the station as volunteers. City staff will perform weekly inspections to ensure the life jackets remain safe and in good condition. Cook Children’s will replenish life jackets as needed.

The station operates on an honor system and is available for anyone enjoying the lake or shoreline at Terry Park. Visitors are encouraged to borrow a life jacket that fits properly, wear it while participating in water activities, and return it to the station after use so others may benefit.

Original reporting: Blue Ribbon News (Rockwall) — read the source article.