CLEARLAKE >> A life jacket giveaway project was held by Flotilla 88 of Lake County on Aug. 2 providing about 100 children with the flotation devices, free-of-charge.
The giveaway was held at the gazebo in Redbud Park in Clearlake as well as at Austin Park during the Lake Community Pride Foundation”s annual Power to the Youth event. Flotilla members George Torngren, Roberto Morfin, Marisa Chilafoe, Bunny De Lope and Flotilla Commander Dan Fish were stationed at the Redbud Park. Past Flotilla commanders Bruce Rogerson and Dane Hayward manned the table at Austin Park, where children were weighed and fitted for life jackets and safe boating information was distributed.
Travis Peck, Wal-Mart store manager, with employee Krystal Eckhardt participated and observed how the youngsters were weighed and fitted. The life jacket giveaway project was funded by a $1500 grant from Wal-Mart in Clearlake, according to Dorothy De Lope, Flotilla 88 public affairs officer.
Flotilla 88”s vessel examiners, past commander and District Captain Wayne Farnholtz and Anita Farnholtz, performed safety vessel checks, free-of-charge, at the marina in Redbud Park during the life jacket giveaway.
“Flotilla 88 considered the project a success and once again wish to thank Wal-Mart for the grant and their participation and also, wish to thank the parents who came because their main concern being to keep their children safe in and around the water,” Dorothy De Lope stated.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is dedicated to promoting recreational boating safety and its members are often referred to as America”s Volunteer Life Savers, De Lope stated.
For information about the group, call 278-8288 or email uscgaux11nr.8.8clear.lake@gmail.com.
