Salem Fire Department to Offer Free Life Jackets

Drowning is the second-leading cause of injury-related deaths among children under the age of 15.

Kids learn how to stay safe while boating. Photo Courtesy: USCG.mil

(SALEM) - Thanks to a generous donation by Walery`s Pizza, the Salem Fire Department is able to purchase life jackets to be distributed to the citizens of Salem for free.

Nearly nine people each day die in the United States due to drowning.

With summer approaching and the weather warming up the risk of drowning increases, due to more people in the water. It is estimated that over 70% of these drowning “s could have been prevented if the person was just wearing a life jacket.

Bill Holmstrom, Salem Fire Department Public Education Specialist stated, "We cannot thank Dave Walery the owner of Walery's Pizza enough for stepping up and helping us get this life saving program started."

The Salem fire department responds to approximately 40 water rescue calls per year.

"The addition of the water rescue boat has already helped our community during a water rescue emergency. The free life jacket program will help make sure that every child is wearing a life jacket when they are near the water," Holmstrom said.

The free life jacket program is intended for City of Salem residents who cannot afford them.

The life jackets will be available at Fire Station #5 in West Salem and Fire Station #1 in downtown Salem after June 1st.

For more information or if you would like to make a donation to the program please contact the Salem Fire Department at (503) 588-6245.