The Kids Don’t Float Program, which provides life preservers for borrowed use to visitors enjoying the Mokelumne River, will begin its summer season in time for the Memorial Day holiday weekend on Saturday, May 26. This is the ninth year for Kids Don’t Float, which was conceived as a result of a tragic drowning on the river in April 2009.

San Joaquin County Ordinance 2-8010 (b) states that children under 13 years of age must wear a life preserver. While the program is primarily intended for children, adult-size life preservers are also available for loaned use on the Mokelumne River between Mokelumne River Day Use Park and Stillman Magee Regional Park, 23801 N. Mackville Road, Clements. The life preservers can be picked up and returned at both parks and at the Clements Fire Station, 18901 E. Highway 88, Clements.

Donations of new or gently-used life preservers are gladly welcomed and can be accepted at the Clements Fire Station. A brochure on the program can be found on the San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation website, www.sjparks.com.