Families are swimming more safely at Lake Grapevine thanks to a pair of "Loan a Life Jacket" stations, which each offer 26 life vests for them to borrow and then return.
“It’s better to be safe than sorry," said Cecilia Martinez, who made sure to borrow enough for everyone in her family who wanted to go in the water.
“I think it’s better because sometimes you could turn your back around and in a quick second they could drown, so I feel safe for them to use it,” said Martinez.
The city put up the stations to honor the memory of James McKenzie, a Grapevine firefighter and rescue diver who drowned at Lake Grapevine last summer while off duty.
“James made a poor decision that day in that he didn’t wear a life vest," said Grapevine Fire Chief Darrell Brown. “He had anchored his boat, going to swim into shore a family activity just like you see families out here this weekend, and unfortunately he drowned he didn’t make it”.
Karen Norvell from North Richland Hills borrowed two for her young children, and made sure to return them before they left.
“We picked them up first thing and they had them on the whole time”, said Norvell. “My husband and I were able to sit back and relax a little bit and just kind of enjoy the morning and not be too worried or concerned."
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“James I think would be very proud to know that he is continuing to make a difference,” said Chief Brown. “You know, save a life, even though he’s not with us any longer."
The two "Loan a Life Jacket" stations are located at Lakeview Park and Oak Grove Park, and the city plans to add another four at other parks soon.
