Life Jacket Giveaway Part of Wheels & Squeals Touch a Truck Event at Waterford Oaks June 26
WATERFORD — Families heading to the Oakland County Parks’ annual Wheels & Squeals Touch a Truck event on Thursday, June 26 at Waterford Oaks County Park will have the opportunity to take home free life jackets just in time for summer. The Metroparks are partnering to distribute 300 children’s and adult life jackets on a first-come, first-served basis. The giveaways are part of the Metroparks’ Everyone in the Pool swim initiative, a commitment to prevent childhood drowning and promote water safety education across Southeast Michigan. These drops are designed to remove cost and access barriers for families who may not have this essential safety equipment at home.
“Every child deserves the chance to enjoy Michigan’s lakes and pools safely, and that starts with access to the right equipment,” said Metroparks CEO Amy McMillan. “Through our Everyone in the Pool initiative and generous community partners, we’re making it easier for families to enjoy the water without worry. When families feel safe, they’re more likely to make lasting memories together and that’s what summer should be about.”
The life jacket distribution event is the last of three Metroparks is hosting across Southeast Michigan this summer to remove cost and access barriers for families who may not have this essential safety equipment at home. Life jackets were generously sponsored by Thrivent Financial.
“Thrivent is a Fortune 500 financial services organization that puts generosity at the heart of saving and investing,” said Thrivent Financial Manager of Engagement Danielle Pietraszewski. “Every year, we help raise and donate hundreds of millions of dollars and coordinate millions of volunteer hours to support the causes that inspire our clients. That is why we are proud to partner with the Huron-Clinton Metroparks and support their water safety programs. As residents of the Great Lakes state, everyone should have the resources they need to safely and comfortably enjoy the water.”
Even good swimmers should consider wearing a life jacket, especially in open water. Parkgoers are encouraged to bring their own or borrow one of the Metroparks’ free of charge. Life jackets for adults and children are available at every beach and pool inside the Metroparks. Metroparks reminds visitors to also practice water safety by:
- Learn to Swim: Enroll in swimming lessons. Both children and adults can benefit from knowing how to swim. Partners across Southeast Michigan offer free swim lessons through Everyone in the Pool. Visit our website to find lessons near you.
- Constant Supervision: Never leave children unattended near water. Designate a “water watcher” to keep an eye on swimmers at all times.
- Learn CPR: Being trained in CPR can make a critical difference in an emergency. Many organizations, including the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit CPR training courses.
“We are blessed with fantastic natural resources and an abundance of recreational opportunities in metro Detroit,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “And it’s incredibly gratifying to see the partnership between the Huron-Clinton Metroparks and Oakland Parks to ensure our residents have access to affordable, safe and spectacular green spaces and waterways across the region.”
