Salem Health strives to prevent drowning cases by outfitting kids with life jackets and educating parents.

Hospital staff took part in the Family Building Blocks Family Fest at Salem’s Riverfront Park in August. They fitted 80 kids with new Cabela’s life jackets.

Nurses and other staff also provided education at the event about water safety and boating rules. A common problem in many child drowning cases: No one was designated to watch the kids in the water.

Salem Hospital’s injury prevention department raised money for the event from fees received through court-ordered education classes offered at the CHEC.