SACRAMENTO—The Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) announces the 10th Annual Life Jacket Trade-In, May 22 from 2-4 p.m. at 13 California Sam’s Club stores. A complete list of participating stores is attached.

Community partners including the Sacramento Safe Kids Coalition, Radio Disney, CBS Radio, the Drowning Accident Rescue Team and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will come together at the events to help answer questions and provide information about boating and water safety. Experts will stress the importance of wearing a life jacket at all times when in or around the water.

Water enthusiasts are invited to bring their life jackets for inspection by water safety professionals. If a life jacket is found to be unserviceable, a new one of the appropriate size will be given in exchange. Life jackets will be available at each site while supplies last. (Only one new life jacket per family.)

This event is being conducted in connection with National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22) that aims to spread the message about life jacket wear and safe boating practices.

California boating law requires all children 11 years or younger to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. In addition, every person on board a personal watercraft (also known as jet skis) and any person being towed behind a vessel must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. For more information, please visit www.BoatSmarter.com.