Palatine Firefighters Offering Kids Life Jackets For Loan This Summer

PALATINE, IL — While the Palatine Fire Department offers free loaner life jackets for kids year-round, they are especially popular in the summer. The life jackets are the result of a collaboration between Palatine firefighters and the Boat U.S. Foundation.

The life jackets are designed for children between 5 and 90 pounds. PFD currently has a limited supply of life jackets in four sizes — infant, child, youth, and young adult. The loaner life jackets can be checked out by families for up to one week.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day about 10 people die from unintentional drowning. Children from the ages of 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates.

"We encourage their use while vacationing near water, days at the local pool, boating, or for any water-related activity," PFD said in a news release. "Life jacket use during these activities will greatly benefit your child's safety."

All loans require some basic information, including a copy of a loaner's driver's license and the number of days intended to use the life jacket. When possible, loaners should bring the child with them, so a firefighter can properly size them with the appropriate life jacket.

To check out life jackets, call the Palatine Fire Department at 847-202-6340 or stop by any of
our five fire stations including:

• Station 81- 1215 N Quentin Road
• Station 82 - 1475 N. Hicks Road
• Station 83 – 987 E. Palatine Road
• Station 84 – 220 W. Illinois Ave.
• Station 85 – 39 E. Colfax St.

"The members of the Palatine Fire Department want everyone to have a fun summer and remind you to have your children wear a life jack in, on, or around water. Remember, 'Life jackets float, you don't,'" PFD said.