As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance community safety, the City of Sacramento’s Office of Emergency Management (SacOEM) has donated nearly 150 children’s life jackets to the Sacramento Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for use during the 2024–2025 seasons.
Sacramento’s CERT volunteer program provides training and education on disaster preparedness and response skills for emergency and non-emergency situations.
The initiative aims to help kids enjoy the Sacramento waterways with an extra layer of protection. The Sacramento and American Rivers often conceal swift currents, hidden drop-offs, and chilly waters, hazards that demand vigilance.
By supplying these life jackets, SacOEM is arming families with a critical tool to help prevent drowning, a top cause of accidental death among children.
“Our core mission is to educate and equip Sacramento residents to face potential hazards, and these life jackets are a small yet powerful step toward that goal,” said Emily Alexander, SacOEM’s Emergency Management Coordinator. “The driving purpose for this initiative is empowering families to enjoy the local waterways with peace of mind.”
The life jacket donations are distributed at popular local spots like Tiscornia, Paradise, and Discovery Park beaches, making safety accessible to all who visit these locations to cool off on warm days.
To further enhance water safety education, SacOEM, Sacramento Fire Department, Sacramento Police Department, Youth, Parks and Community Enrichment, and CERT, will be teaming up for the City of Sacramento’s Annual Drowning Prevention training event. This event will provide an opportunity for first responders and safety experts to share life-saving skills and demonstrations to prepare for summer water activity.
