The Life-jacket Loan Program is hoping to help keep kids safe as families hit up the beach this summer. 

In partnership with Cabela's Outdoor Fund, the Manitoba Government is providing life jackets for free at multiple beaches across the province. 

"Manitoba Parks encourage park visitors, especially boaters, children, and weak swimmers, to wear properly-sized life jackets when participating in water-related activities," is says on the website. "Visitors can borrow life-jackets in select parks, and return them after their activity."

The Life-jacket Loan program is available at:

  • Bakers Narrows
  • Birds Hill
  • Clearwater - Campers Cove
  • Grass River - Gyles, Iskwasum
  • Paint Lake
  • Manipogo
  • Moose Lake
  • Rainbow Beach
  • St. Malo - Main Beach (2), Sunset Shores Beach
  • Spruce Woods
  • Stephenfield

They are also offering beach safety training at Bird's Hill Provincial Park and Grand Beach. 

Birds Hill
June 2 - 24: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
June 25 - Aug 21: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Aug 22 - Sept 5: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Grand Beach and Winnipeg Beach
June 2 - Sept 5: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

At St. Malo, park interpreters deliver water safety education to beach visitors throughout summer.