We are saving lives on the river - two life vests at a time
The Russian River is a beautiful and inviting place for relaxation, rejuvenation, and socializing. Regretfully, these same inviting waters too often represent hazardous swimming conditions, especially for the most vulnerable visitors.
Founded by Regional Parks in the summer of 2013 in response to several tragic incidents along the river, the Water Safety Patrol has loaned thousands of life jackets to vulnerable swimmers at five of the most popular Russian River beaches. With increasing visibility and growing community support, the Water Safety Patrol has proven to reduce the risk of deaths by drowning among visitors to County Park beaches along the Russian River. Specifically served are county beaches not staffed by permanent lifeguards: Steelhead, Sunset, Mom’s Beach, Del Rio Woods and Riverfront Regional Park.
The Water Safety Patrol lifeguards and rangers focus on three activities:
While the immediate life-saving results are significant, the longer-term overarching benefit of this program is fostering a culture of acceptance for wearing life vests at the river. Because of its success and the high demand for jackets, this program has an ongoing need for replacement life vests. We welcome the support of grant making organizations and corporate sponsorship, as well as individual donations. A gift of $100 will purchase two jackets — and will truly help save lives.
Thank you Water Safety Patrol, and thank you donors for helping protect vulnerable swimmers at the Russian River!
Founded by Regional Parks in the summer of 2013 in response to several tragic incidents along the river, the Water Safety Patrol has loaned thousands of life jackets to vulnerable swimmers at five of the most popular Russian River beaches. With increasing visibility and growing community support, the Water Safety Patrol has proven to reduce the risk of deaths by drowning among visitors to County Park beaches along the Russian River. Specifically served are county beaches not staffed by permanent lifeguards: Steelhead, Sunset, Mom’s Beach, Del Rio Woods and Riverfront Regional Park.
The Water Safety Patrol lifeguards and rangers focus on three activities:
- Conducting “safety contacts” with visitors, where they educate Russian River visitors about dangers of the river (depth, currents, underwater obstacles)
- Adding a safety presence to the beaches, and, especially,
- Offering free loaner life jackets to protect vulnerable swimmers, especially children and teens.
While the immediate life-saving results are significant, the longer-term overarching benefit of this program is fostering a culture of acceptance for wearing life vests at the river. Because of its success and the high demand for jackets, this program has an ongoing need for replacement life vests. We welcome the support of grant making organizations and corporate sponsorship, as well as individual donations. A gift of $100 will purchase two jackets — and will truly help save lives.
Thank you Water Safety Patrol, and thank you donors for helping protect vulnerable swimmers at the Russian River!
