And speaking of life jackets ....

Carla Cresap picks up some free life jackets for her grandchildren at a drive-thru life jacket giveaway Tuesday at the Perch Lake fire hall. The Cloquet Area Fire District partnered with Fond du Lac Human Services Division and Safe Kids Northeast Minnesota to offer up to two free life jackets per household for Carlton County kids ages newborn to 16 years old. CAFD educator Sarah Buhs said they gave away 150 life jackets in 30 minutes Tuesday. With the warmer weather, families will be spending more time enjoying the lakes and rivers northern Minnesota offers. Being aware of the risks these open waters pose and following boating and swimming safety tips can keep those outings safe and fun.

Here are some tips for swimming and boating safety:

• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that fits properly when boating

• Watch kids when they are in or around water

• Teach children how to swim; • Teach children that swimming in open water is different than swimming in a pool

• Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills

• Resources to learn more about swimming and boating safety are at Safe Kids Worldwide: safekids.org/safetytips/field_risks/boating https://www.safekids.org/poolsafety