OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) — The Oconto County Safe Kids Coalition, in partnership with Oconto County Public Health, has announced that they are the recipient of a $6,500 grant from the Leon H. and Clymene M. Bond Foundation.
The Oconto County Safe Kids Coalition will use the funding to implement five life jacket loaner stations throughout the county. The life jacket loaner stations will include life jackets for infants through adults and will be in place by summer 2024.
Grant funds will also be used to update signage with instructions for proper use on the existing life jacket loaner stations.
“This project is a true local partnership and we are very grateful to the Leon H. and Clymene M. Bond Foundation for this wonderful opportunity,” stated Debra Konitzer, Oconto County Health Officer. “Thanks to this funding, Oconto County Safe Kids Coalition has been able to partner with Oconto County Lumber, Vital Signs and the Oconto Falls High School Technical Education students for the supplies and building of the life jacket loaner stations.”
The Oconto County Safe Kids Coalition is part of Safe Kids Worldwide, a nonprofit organization working to help families and communities keep kids safe from injuries.
Members of the Oconto County Safe Kids Coalition come from law enforcement, fire departments, Economic Development, ATV clubs, DNR, local municipalities, and Oconto County Public Health.
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, among preventable injuries, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. In addition, most drownings are accidental and can be prevented with life jackets.
