This week, we turn our Valley Home News over to a guest columnist, who would like to share some timely safety tips.

The following information has been provided courtesy of Modesto Fire Department Captain Joe Spani:

As summer temperatures climb and families head to the water to cool off, it’s important to remember that safety should always come first—especially when it comes to our local rivers, lakes, and backyard pools.

The Modesto Fire Department’s Life Jacket Loaner Program makes it easy for anyone—regardless of where they live or their ability to pay—to access a properly fitting life jacket, free of charge. Whether you’re heading to the pool, the lake, or floating the Stanislaus River from Knights Ferry, this program is designed to help keep you, your family, and your friends safe.

Thanks to the generosity of community partners—including Safe Kids Stanislaus, Century 21 Select Realty of Oakdale, Century 21 Select Realty of Modesto, Turlock Irrigation District, and Modesto Irrigation District—over 200 life jackets have been donated so far this year. These life jackets are distributed not only through the Modesto Fire Department, but also through the Turlock Fire Department and Stanislaus Consolidated Fire District.

The program is simple: borrow a life jacket at no cost from one of our participating fire stations. Return it when you’re done so someone else can use it, or keep it if you need it longer. There’s no complicated paperwork, no residency requirement, and no reason not to wear one. We have sizes to fit nearly everyone at our 13 participating fire stations – including Knights Ferry and both stations in Oakdale.

Wearing a life jacket can mean the difference between life and death. But remember—having a life jacket is not a substitute for knowing how to swim or for adult supervision. And alcohol and water activities never mix.

With water recreation season in full swing, make the safe choice. Use a life jacket, and help us spread the word about this free life-saving resource.

For more information, call us at 209-572-9590, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, visit our website (https://www.modestogov.com/3112/Life-Jacket-Loaner-Program), or stop by one of our fire stations.

Modesto Fire Department proudly serves the communities of Modesto, Ceres, Oakdale, Knights Ferry, Valley Home, Riverbank, Empire, Waterford, La Grange, Turlock, and Salida.

*****

Our thanks to Captain Spani for offering this important information to readers.

If you have any community items of interest to include in the Valley Home News column, you may reach me by e-mail at winniemullins51@gmail.com or by text or telephone at 209-985-5233. Until next time, “Happy Trails to All!”