The Kids Don’t Float Program, which provides life preservers for borrowed use to visitors enjoying the Mokelumne River, will launch its summer season in time for the Memorial Day holiday weekend on Saturday, May 25, 2013.
This is the fourth year for Kids Don’t Float, which was conceived as a result of a tragic drowning on the river in April 2009. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department and the Clements Fire District, both of which patrol the river, encourage safe recreation through the use of life preservers.
While the program is primarily intended for children, adult-size life preservers are also available for loaned use on the Mokelumne River between the Mokelumne River Day Use Park, located 15 miles east of Lodi off Highway 12 on McIntire Rd., and Stillman Magee Regional Park, 23801 N. Mackville Rd., Clements. The life preservers can be picked up and returned at both parks and at the Clements Fire Station, 18901 E. Highway 88, Clements.
A brochure on the program can be found on the San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation website,
www.mgzoo.com.