Thanks to a local sports car club, The Sheriff’s Foundation for Public Safety, the Kerman Walmart, and Big 5 Sporting Goods of Fresno, 150 life jackets will be distributed free of charge on Sunday.

The goal is to increase water safety on local waters, particularly the popular gathering spots on the San Joaquin and Kings rivers.

The life jacket giveaway begins at 9 a.m. Sunday at four locations: Skaggs Bridge Park, Lost Lake Park, Laton-Kingston Park, and Avocado Lake Park. The life jackets range in size from infant to adult. Click on the links for park addresses and to learn more about them.

In February, the Sports Car Club of America–Fresno Chapter hosted a charity race, “Can You Outrun the Cops?” The Sheriff’s Office, Fresno Police and California Highway Patrol put some of their best drivers on a closed course to compete. Sheriff’s Lt. Ryan Gilbert finished first and received $1,500. Those winnings were earmarked to buy life jackets for Sunday’s giveaway.

The Sheriff’s Foundation for Public Safety matched that amount and the Walmart in Kerman donated 20 life jackets. Big 5 of Fresno then worked with the organizers for discounts on the life jackets.

In July 2024, the Sheriff’s Office handed out 100 life jackets.

“Our goal is to get swimmers in the habit of wearing life jackets every time they get into a lake or river. We hope to make the thought process as routine as buckling a safety belt when you get into a vehicle,” said sheriff’s spokesman Tony Botti.

Related Story: Eight More Drowning Deaths Added to Kern River Warning Signs