Johnston Parks and Recreation and Johnston Public Safety Departments work to promote safety while in and around water. The Johnston Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating the installation of the first Life Jacket Loaner Station at Terra Park. The station is being installed by the Rotary Club of Johnston, east of the fishing pier.
The loaner station consists of instructions on how to properly fit a life jacket and a variety of 40 life jackets ranging in size from toddler to an adult extra-large. The life jackets are provided free of charge and are easily accessible to the public.
“Having this loaner station installed provides everyone free use of a life jacket,” said Parks and Recreation Director John Schmitz. “We are grateful to the Rotatory Club of Johnston for installing the station and stocking it with life jackets for everyone to use. If anyone is going to be climbing on the stepping stones or fishing off the pier, we encourage them to put a life jacket on while they are near the lake for their safety.”
Johnston Parks & Recreation encourages visitors to use life jackets if they are near the water at Terra Park, and return them to the life jacket loaner station when they are finished. Keeping the life jackets available for use will ensure everyone has one, should they need to use it.
Members of the Rotary Club of Johnston began planning the Life Jacket Station early this year. “When the City Parks Department discussed their hopes to place a Life Jacket Station at Terra Lake our membership-supported the funding immediately,” said Johnston Rotarian Greg Baker. “We are excited to make these life jackets available to everyone visiting Terra Lake Park, free of cost. It is a proven fact; life jackets save lives. We encourage their use and request that they put back after use, so they are available for others. Rotarians want to make a difference in our community and we hope this helps to prevent a tragedy from ever happening at Terra Lake Park.”