Lane County Sheriff's Office and Springfield Elks Team Up for Annual Life Vest Exchange | Local

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Beyond fire risks, there are also dangers in local waterways, especially during the hot summer months, as outdoor recreation enthusiasts seek solace from to seasonal heat.

That's why the Lane County Sheriff's Office partners with the Springfield Elks Club for its annual life vest exchange. The mission of the event is to ensure that every child playing in or near water wears a properly fitted life jacket.

“If something happens on the water, we really don't have time to get a life jacket and give it to the child,” said Tim Chase, search and rescue coordinator for the sheriff's office. of Lane County. “They must always wear a life jacket. This means it should be at least somewhat comfortable and if they go into the water it should fit snugly to support them in the right way.

Organizers invite people to come to the Springfield Elks Club parking lot on June 15 to trade in their old life jackets for newer, well-fitting models. Life jackets brought by the public are inspected for safety and issued at the event. All extras will be donated to Lane County Life Vest Loan Stations. The event is first come, first served, and the child will need to be present to ensure they are the correct size.

The Elks Club is located in the 1700 block of Centennial Boulevard.