Loaner Life Jacket Station at Terry Park Opens
Community members and first responders unite behind water safety initiatives including the new Loaner Life Jacket Station installed by the City of Heath in partnership with Cook Children’s with the volunteer construction by Bobby Gladu team members Artisan Masonry & Granite and Heal-Corp.
The City of Heath has announced the opening of a new Loaner Life Jacket Station at Terry Park, providing residents and visitors with free access to U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets to help make water recreation safer.
The station was installed through a partnership with Cook Children’s, whose Lifeguard Your Child injury prevention initiative works to reduce childhood drownings by increasing access to properly fitted life jackets at public water access locations throughout North Texas. Cook Children’s currently supports more than 60 loaner life jacket stations across the region, including several at Lake Ray Hubbard.
“Drowning remains one of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related deaths among children in Texas,” said Mayor Jeremiah McClure. “This partnership with Cook Children’s is a simple but meaningful way to promote water safety and provide families with another resource to help protect their loved ones while enjoying our parks and lake.”
Cook Children’s provided the materials, signage and a supply of life jackets in multiple sizes at no cost to the City. Bobby Gladu and his team at Artisan Masonry & Granite and Heal-Corp constructed the station as volunteers. City staff will perform weekly inspections to ensure the life jackets remain safe and in good condition. Cook Children’s will replenish life jackets as needed.
The station operates on an honor system and is available for anyone enjoying the lake or shoreline at Terry Park. Visitors are encouraged to:
- Borrow a life jacket that fits properly.
- Wear it while participating in water activities.
- Return it to the station after use so others may benefit.
“Our parks and Lake Ray Hubbard are part of what makes Heath such a special place to live,” said City of Heath Park Board Chairman Justin Holland “This partnership with Cook Children’s gives families another simple tool to enjoy the water safely. We’re grateful for their investment in our community and for everyone who helped make this project possible.”
Celebrating the opening of the City of Heath’s new Loaner Life Jacket Station at Terry Park on Lake Ray Hubbard are from left, City Manager Steven Alexander, Assistant City Manager Chelsey Gordon, Bobby Gladu of Artisan Masonry & Granite, Mayor Jeremiah McClure, Jillian Mitchell of Cook Children’s and Park Board Chair Justin Holland.
