Gift Of Life Jacket Could Be Life-Saving Gift, Says FL Fire Rescue

TREASURE ISLAND, FL — Dozens of children are feeling a bit safer around the water after receiving new life jackets from members of the Treasure Island Fire Rescue Monday.

The fire rescue, in cooperation with Safe Kids Worldwide, fitted children with life jackets provided by the Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services & Fire Administration.

Kids also got an opportunity to inspect a fire engine at the event held at Caddy's on Treasure Island.

According to Jason Beisel, public information officer for the city, the fire rescue hopes to make a dent in the Florida Department of Children and Families statistics showing that Florida has more deaths of children under the age of 5 by drowning than any other state.

Over the summer, the fire rescue has been going all out to make sure kids in the community stay safe.

On July 14, the fire rescue attended a bicycle rodeo for Treasure Island summer campers at Treasure Bay Golf, Tennis & Recreation Center so kids could improve their bike handling and traffic safety skills.

The fire rescue made sure each camper was fitted for a new bike helmet provided by the Florida Pedestrian & Bicycling Safety Resource Center and the Florida Bicycle Association.