The City of Fort Saskatchewan has launched their lifejacket loaner station at Harbour Pool in Fort Saskatchewan.
These lifejackets are available in many shapes and sizes and are entirely free to rent with a simple sign-in, sign-out sheet available during the pools desk hours.
Between 2009 and 2019 there were an average of 30 deaths due to drowning in Alberta, with 180 incidents requiring emergency attention. In 2024 alone several people have already drowned in the North Saskatchewan River.
“The safety of our residents and visitors is paramount,” said Mayor Gale Katchur. “With the Lifejacket Loaner Station, we aim to equip every individual, especially our most vulnerable young children, with the means to enjoy our beautiful river valley and nearby lakes safely. This program is crucial to eliminating preventable water-related accidents in our community.”
The lifejacket loaner station is in partnership with the Lifesaving Society as part of the WaterSmart Program, which aims to promote water safety and prevent drownings.
Educational markers are available at the station to help users pick the appropriate lifejacket size while showing how to wear the lifejacket correctly.
