LAKEPORT, Calif. — On May 20, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 08-08 of Lake County, participated in National Safe Boating Week by holding a free life jacket giveaway for youngsters at Library Park in Lakeport.

The Flotilla was assisted by the Konocti Women’s Service Club, which made possible this free life jacket project.

Children 12 years of age and younger were registered and weighed and then fitted with the correct size life jacket by Flotilla members who instructed the parents in the proper wearing of the jacket.

Children’s activity books on water safety were given to the youngsters.

The Flotilla also set up a table with all phases of boating safety information as well as packets for boaters which contained supplies to prevent and clean up fuel spills.

Information on complimentary vessel safety checks was available.

Both organizations agreed that if one child’s life was saved due to the wearing of the free life jacket, all their efforts were well worth it.

Their message to all is, “Play safe, wear your life jacket.”

Dorothy De Lope is public affairs officer for Flotilla 08-08 of Lake County.