Palatine Fire Department Provides Loaner Life Jackets for Children

The Palatine Fire Department has partnered with the BoatUS Foundation to provide free, loaner life jackets for children in an effort to prevent unintentional drownings. 

Every day about 10 people die from unintentional drowning and children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates, according to the Center for Disease Control. 

The loaner life jacket program allows for families to check out children’s life jackets for a period of up to one week, according to a village of Palatine press release. 

"We encourage their use while vacationing near water, days at local pools, boating, or for any water related activity," according to the village of Palatine. "Life jacket use during any of these activities will greatly benefit your child’s safety. This program is very popular during the summer, but loaner life jackets remain available year round."

Life jackets have been provided by the BoatUS Foundation and are designed for children from 5 lbs. and up. The Palatine Fire Department currently has a limited supply of 88 life jackets in four different sizes (Infant, Child, Youth and Young Adult).

To check out life jackets, call the Palatine Fire Department at 847-202-6340 or simply stop by any of our four fire stations including; Station 82 - 1475 N. Hicks Road, Station 83 – 987 E. Palatine Road, Station 84 – 220 W. Illinois Avenue or Station 85 – 39 E. Colfax Street. 

All loans require some basic information including a copy of your Driver’s License and the number of days you intend to use the life jacket. When possible, please bring the child with so a firefighter can properly size them with the appropriate life vest.