Seattle Parks and Recreation will sell low-cost life jackets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 17 at Evans Pool, 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N. This is the final sale of the season.

Through October 31, all boaters on King County rivers must wear a life jacket. The new county law says everybody must wear a life jacket when they are on rivers that include the south, middle and north forks as well as the main stem of the Snoqualmie River; the south fork of the Skykomish River; the Tolt River; the Raging River; the Sammamish River; the Cedar River; the White River; and the Green River. This new law also applies to people tubing, rafting, and using a surfboard, canoe or kayak. Swimmers or people wading more than five feet from shore or in water more than four feet deep, also have to wear life jackets.

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among children ages 1 – 14 years old. Wearing life jackets saves lives. Washington State law requires children ages 12 and younger to wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket or life vest on vessels shorter than 19 feet, and there must be a life jacket on board for each person older than 12.

The cost for life jackets sizes infant to youth large is $20, and for teens to adult size XXL, $30. The life jackets are comfortable, high quality vests in fashion colors. Sorry, Parks cannot offer refunds or returns.

Customers younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Fitters will be on site to help people choose the correct size. The person for whom the jacket is being purchased must be present for proper fitting.

Parks offers this program in partnership with Seattle Children’s Hospital, Fisheries Supply, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

For more information, please call Diane Jones at 206-684-7440 or email her at
diane.jones@seattle.gov.