Drownings in Fresno County Highlight Importance of Life JacketsDrownings in Fresno County Highlight Importance of Life Jackets As temperatures soar in the Central Valley, residents seek refuge in the cool waters of local lakes and rivers. However, these waterways can be treacherous, as evidenced by the nine drownings that have occurred in Fresno County’s natural waterways this year. Authorities have emphasized the importance of wearing properly fitted life jackets to prevent these tragic incidents. “Every drowning is one too many,” said Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni. Inspired by the recent tragedies, Kingsburg resident Kyrie Schaeffer spearhead an initiative to collect life jackets for distribution in the community. With the support of local organizations and businesses, she gathered nearly 100 life jackets that were donated to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Zanoni stressed that individuals who cannot swim should not enter the water without a life jacket. He demonstrated the proper way to wear a life jacket, ensuring that it is secure and tight. The donated life jackets will be distributed free of charge to anyone in need at designated parks on a first-come, first-served basis. Donations of life jackets are still being accepted through local sheriff’s offices and police and fire departments. The article concludes with a reminder from reporter Tiffany Olin to follow her on social media for news and weather updates.
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Lakes and rivers in the Central Valley are popular places to cool off, as temperatures here can soar above 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
These waterways are fun, but not always safe.
So far this year, nine people have drowned in Fresno County’s natural waterways.
“Every drowning is one too many. When we look at the drownings in the month of June, we see that these are tragic incidents that could have been prevented if people had been wearing life jackets that were properly secured and fastened. Then the outcome might not have been so tragic,” said Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni.
Kyrie Schaeffer of Kingsburg saw the local tragedies on ABC30 and decided she wanted to help.
“As a mother of three, I want my kids to be safe, and that goes for all people and kids,” Schaeffer explained. “I just want people to be safe and aware that they need to wear a life jacket when they’re in the water.”
“Put on a life jacket,” Zanoni said. “It could save your life.”
With the help of the community, local organizations and businesses, Schaeffer was able to collect nearly 100 life jackets.
These life jackets were donated to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office on Friday.
The sheriff stressed that if you cannot swim, you should not enter the water without a properly fitting life jacket.
“That’s what we would call a good fit for a life jacket, because it’s secure, tight, and not pulling over the person’s head,” Zanoni explained as he demonstrated a properly fitted life jacket. “That’s what we’ve had where people have jumped in feet first, and the life jacket was too big or not secured properly, and it went right over the person’s head.”
The donated life jackets will be distributed free of charge to anyone in need, on a first-come, first-served basis at Skaggs Bridge Park, Lost Lake Park, Avocado Lake and Laton-Kingsburg Park at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Donations are still being accepted. If you would like to donate a life jacket, you can still do so through your local sheriff’s office or your local police and fire departments.
For news and weather updates, follow Tiffany Olin on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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