Gaston Rural Fire District

Volunteers from Gaston Fire will maintain two new life-jacket loaner stations at Henry Hagg Lake.

The life-jacket stations were created as an Eagle Scout project by Kyle Giesbers.

Kyle worked on the project for two months after being approached by the Washington County contingent of Safe Kids‐Portland Metro.

The two life jacket stations are at Boat Ramp C and at the Sain Creek Swim area.

Both operate on the honor system. Park users can borrow the jackets and return them upon completion of their children’s swimming activities. Each kiosk contains several sizes of jackets.

Gaston Fire will maintain the stations as part of its ongoing commitment to safety at the popular recreation area. Gaston Fire also operates the Water Safety Program, administered by Firefighter Randy Hoodenpyl. Find out more about Gaston Fire's Hagg Lake programs here.

Kyle, a 17‐year-old Liberty High School student, belongs to Boy Scout Troop 855, sponsored by Hillsboro’s Trinity Lutheran Church.

The National Center for Health Statistics reports that drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional, injury‐related death among children under age 15.

A number of local businesses contributed to the Life Jacket Loaner Stations:

• Parr Lumber Company
• Oregon‐Canadian Forest Products
• The Sign Company of Hillsboro

For more information on injury prevention for children, visit the Safe Kids Coalition web site at www.usa.safekids.org.