Initiated in 2003 by Sacramento County and its Emergency Medical Services Agency, the Kids Don’t Float program has provided more than 2,000 new life vests annually for distribution at river-access stations. In 2012, the American River Parkway Foundation took financial responsibility for the program and committed to supplying all the life vests.

In 2008, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance requiring life preservers for access to the public waters within the County of Sacramento. The ordinance reads in part, “It is unlawful for any parent to permit his or her child under the age of thirteen (13) in his or her care to access any public waters unless said child is wearing a life preserver.” Violation of the ordinance is punishable by a fine of $500 and/or six months of jail.

Through the Kids Don’t Float program, the life vests will be re-supplied and inspected twice a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day by the Drowning Accident Rescue Team (DART), Sac Metro Fire, and ARPF mile stewards. The stations include:

• Discovery Park (2 sites)

• Ancil Hoffman Park

• Howe Avenue river access

• Watt Avenue river access

• River Bend Park

• Sunrise river access.

Each station offers 8 to 12 life vests in kids sizes.