Be a hero ● Save a life ● Wear a FREE life jacket this summer!

As summer approaches, just about everyone will be heading outdoors for water-related fun. The Brazos River Authority wants to help keep Hood County kids safe in and around water by giving them a FREE life jacket!

On May 17, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., more than 300 free life jackets will be given to kids at the 7th annual BRA Water Safety Awareness Day at Lake Granbury’s Rough Creek Park. Best of all, the entire event is FREE.

“It’s crucial for kids to have a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket,” said Kyle Lewis, Lake Granbury’s assistant reservoir manager/program manager. “The staff at Water Safety Awareness Day will help to make sure your child is fitted with the proper size of life jacket to begin the summer.”

For the 7th year, Water Safety Awareness Day also brings together local fire departments, EMS, game wardens, search and rescue and emergency management teams to help kids learn about safety of all types with an opportunity to experience an up close and personal view of the vehicles and equipment used to help save lives in and around Hood County.

The kids can also learn how to fish and take part in a kids-only fishing tournament where they can win prizes every hour. All equipment will be provided and staff will be available to bait hooks and help kids learn to cast.

Kid-friendly, educational booths from Texas A&M, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the YMCA will be on hand. Kids can even get an up-close look at amphibians and reptiles from Mark Pyle, a local herpetologist.

Raising Canes is providing free kid meal coupons while supplies last. Free hot dogs and water will be available for everyone.

Adults can be heroes at Water Safety Awareness Day, too!

Carter Blood Care will be available in their mobile bus taking blood donations. One donation can save as many as three lives!

May 17th is also Armed Forces Day and the start of Safe Boating Week. We’ll be celebrating with a live broadcast by 95.5 K-Hits from the event.

Ultimately, the day is about keeping kids safe around water.

“Life Jackets are just as important as a child safety seat is in a car,” says Lewis. “Making sure a life jacket is the correct size, in good condition, and worn properly is crucial for the safety of a child, whether they are in a boat, swimming at the lake or in a pool. Drowning is NOT like you see on TV; it is sudden and silent and can occur in mere seconds.”

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services reported 103 drownings in 2024. “It’s important to ensure that kids have a life jacket that fits properly and is in good condition for any type of fun on the water this summer,” reminds Dylan Mayfield, Lake Granbury’s reservoir manager. “Whether it’s at the lake or the pool, having a life jacket is a priority. It only works if you wear it.”

Come out to Water Safety Awareness Day to see local heroes, meet the Lake Granbury staff, grab a hot dog and enjoy a day of fun by the water.