Free Life Jackets for Kids at Tampa Bay Boat Show

Area residents in need of life jackets for their children might want to check out the Tampa Bay Boat Show this weekend.

That’s where Division 7 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and Allstate plan to team up to give away 750 free life jackets meant especially for children.

Auxiliary members will be on hand providing boating safety tips while also fitting the first 750 children with free jackets. Life jackets available are Coast Guard approved and include those suitable for babies up to children who weigh 90 pounds. Children must be present to be fitted properly.

The boat show takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary notes that Pinellas County ranks No. 5 in the state for boating accidents.

Admission for the boat show is free, but parking is $6. For more information about the event, visit its website.

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