LAKEPORT >> The U.S. Coast Auxiliary, Flotilla 8-8 of Lake County offered free-of-charge life jackets for children during the inaugural Heroes of Health & Safety Fair held at the Lakeport Fairgrounds on Oct. 18. With permission from the parents, the flotilla weighed and fitted 24 children with new life jackets.
The supply was limited and by 11:30 a.m., it was exhausted, according to Public Affairs Officer Dorothy De Lope. For those who had to be turned away, the flotilla advised that another free-of-charge life jacket giveaway would be held next year in the early summer.
The U.S.C.G. helicopter from Air Station in McKinleyville with four crew members flew in and landed in the designated area alongside the California Highway Patrol helicopter and the REACH medical helicopter.
After securing the helicopter, children and their parents were invited to inspect it inside and out.
Flotilla 8-8 members Bruce Rogerson, Dane Hayward, Roberto Morfin, Corey Jones, Bob White and De Lope interacted with the people who visited the flotilla”s informational booth on boating safety by providing information on how to keep themselves and their families” safe on the water.
Game and color books, pencils and bookmarks for children, which teach them about water safety, were distributed.
Boat owners were advised that the flotilla performed free-of-charge vessel safety checks and safe boating classes. Many who expressed interest in joining the flotilla were invited to attend the next meeting on Oct. 25.
For information, call 279-2414.
