SINK OR SWIM

Floating is a good thing when it comes to having fun in the water. That’s why the Springfield Lake Shore Improvement Association, Scheels, Land of Lincoln Power Squadron and City Water, Light and Power are teaming up to form a lifejacket loaner program at Lake Springfield. The improvement association has purchased 15 lifejackets at a discount from Scheels. Starting Saturday at 11 a.m., they will be loaned for free to boaters in need at the Lindsay Bridge boat ramp CWLP station, and the loaner program will continue throughout the year between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. The Land of Lincoln Power Squadron also will be performing free vessel safety checks at the boat ramp this Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The three groups are also sponsoring a free boat safety clinic for kids between 12 and 18 who need safety certification to legally operate boats and personal watercraft. The three-session clinic will be held on June 10, June 12 and June 17 at the CWLP training center at the lake, with each session lasting three hours and starting at 6 p.m. For more information on the clinic or to enroll, contact Valerie Nester at valerienester@yahoo. com. For more information about Saturday’s events, or to donate a lifejacket (make sure that it’s in good condition and approved by the Coast Guard), contact Lin Vautrain at 899-3611 or linvautrain@gmail.com.