Free kids' life jackets and fishing fun at Rough Creek Park May 16
Kick off summer with a day that’s equal parts fun and peace of mind. Come out to Lake Granbury’s 8th Annual Water Safety Awareness Day and enjoy loads of free activities, including hot dogs, games, and giveaways. Most importantly, come get your FREE kids' life jacket.
On Saturday, May 16, the Brazos River Authority (BRA) will give away more than 300 kid-sized life jackets from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Rough Creek Park, 2209 South Morgan St. in Granbury.
Whether you have a boat or are just planning to squeeze in some beach or pool time, there’s nothing safer for your Littles when they are close to the water than a properly fitting life jacket.
For the 8th year, the BRA’s Water Safety Awareness Day brings together local fire departments, emergency medical services, game wardens, search and rescue and emergency management teams to help kids learn about safety of all types with an opportunity to experience an up close and personal view of the vehicles and equipment used to help save lives in and around Hood County.
Kids can learn how to fish and take part in a kids-only fishing event with prizes awarded each hour. All equipment is provided free of charge and staff will be available to bait hooks and help kids learn to cast.
The event also offers kid-friendly booths by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, YMCA, Radiant Swim School, and many others, as well as tours of emergency response vehicles and equipment. There will be free hot dogs, inflatable games for kids and live music from K-Hits 95.5, broadcasting from the event. Raising Cane's restaurant will also have a few surprises for families.
“Life jackets are the most important item to take with you when visiting the lake or pool,” said Kyle Lewis, Lake Granbury’s assistant reservoir manager/program manager. “A properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is just as important as a child safety seat is in a car. Drowning is NOT like you see on TV; it is sudden and silent and can occur in mere seconds.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children. More children ages 1-4 die from drowning than any other cause of death and it’s the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14.
“So far this year, 10 kids have died by drowning in Texas,” Lewis said. “We don’t want to add even one more child to that list! It’s so important that kids understand that though time at the lake is all about the fun, there are dangers of being near water. We’d like to help them learn how to keep themselves safe.”
Lewis notes that adult supervision is also important in saving children's lives near water. Parents will receive a free Water Watcher Tag, along with information explaining that leaving a child unsupervised for even a moment could be a moment too long.
Parents can also take a few minutes to help save as many as three lives at the event. Carter Blood Care will be available in its mobile bus to collect blood donations that hospitals need for life-saving care during the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Join us on Saturday, May 16, at Granbury’s Rough Creek Park for Water Safety Awareness Day! BRA staff will help you choose the correct size life jacket for your child. The kids will meet local first responders, learn to fish, grab a hot dog and enjoy a day of FREE fun by the lake. For more information, call 817-573-3212.