Vancouver, WA ‒ Swim season is off to a safe start at Klineline Pond as life jackets are replenished and lifeguards begin their duties at Klineline the last two weekends of June. Daily summer coverage starts Friday, July 1.

Klineline Pond and Marine Park Boat Launch life jacket loaner stations are stocked with more than 100 life jackets for the Safe Kids Clark County program, thanks to a donation from the International Order of the Blue Gavel Nautical Safety Foundation. The new jackets will replace worn-out, weathered and missing jackets.

“Inflatable toys and mattresses are not a substitute for life jackets and will not keep kids safe,” said Anne Johnston, coordinator of Safe Kids Clark County. “When properly worn, life jackets save lives. All children should wear them when swimming.”

Adults should not let their eyes off children who are in or near water.

Drownings happen swiftly and silently. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death of children ages 1 to 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Swimming is allowed in most Clark County parks with water access, but parks on the Columbia River are not considered safe for swimming because of strong currents and sudden drop-offs.

More information on swimming and water safety at parks is available on the county’s website at www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/swimming.

CONTACT
Anne Johnston
Public Health
(360) 397-8000 ext. 7337
anne.johnston@clark.wa.gov