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Irvine Launches Floatie Exchange Program for Kids

Families gather at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center for the Floatie Exchange Program in Irvine.

News Summary

Irvine will introduce a Floatie Exchange Program on May 17 to enhance water safety for young children. The initiative offers free U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets to kids aged 6 and younger in exchange for unapproved life jackets. Every participant must watch a safety video and fill out a waiver. Open to all, this program aims to promote safe water activities and reduce drowning incidents among children this summer. Additional free life jackets will be available at community events to further support families in water safety.

Irvine is set to launch a new Floatie Exchange Program on Saturday, May 17, aimed at enhancing water safety for young children. This initiative offers free U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets to children aged 6 and younger, provided that participants exchange a non-U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. The exchange event will take place from 8 a.m. to noon at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center.

To receive a free life jacket, parents or guardians must first watch a safety video and complete a waiver form. Notably, participation is open to everyone, and individuals do not need to be residents of Irvine to take part in the program. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the presence of unapproved flotation devices and promote essential water safety practices for children as summer approaches.

Drowning incidents rank among the leading causes of death for children, underscoring the critical importance of supervision and safety measures around water. The Floatie Exchange Program is designed to facilitate safer water experiences for children during various summer activities such as beach days, pool parties, and family outings.

In addition to the exchange program, families who do not have a life jacket to trade can still obtain one for free through various other avenues. The city has planned additional distribution of free life jackets at various community events, eliminating the requirement for an exchange.

Furthermore, the Boat U.S. Foundation operates a free life jacket loaner program, which enables families to locate pickup sites nearby. Participating in these programs ensures that more children have access to appropriate safety gear as they engage in outdoor water activities.

Parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with helpful tips provided by the Orange County Fire Authority regarding the selection of suitable life jackets, which can greatly aid in ensuring that families make informed and safe choices. With summer on the horizon, these efforts aim to keep children safe and promote a culture of water awareness and responsibility.

Overall, the Floatie Exchange Program reflects Irvine’s commitment to enhancing the safety of its younger residents and visitors alike. The program fosters community support and encourages proactive measures to prevent accidents associated with water activities. The combination of education, resources, and community involvement is vital to ensuring the protection of children as they explore the fun and joy of water recreation this summer.