Life jackets are the single most effective way to prevent drownings in Colorado. 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) has partnered with local groups to bring river safety to children across the Upper Arkansas River Valley.

Our goal is to ensure every kid has access to these flotation devices into adulthood.

Each year, every third grader from Buena Vista to Florence receives a free life jacket. When they outgrow it, we'll trade it in for an adult size, also free!

AHRA also maintains Life Jacket Loaner Stations throughout the valley for free access to anyone not covered by this program.