Successful Life Jacket Giveaway at Blue Earth County Fair Promotes Water Safety
To promote water safety and responsible recreation, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), in partnership with the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office, hosted a free life jacket giveaway on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Blue Earth County Fair in Garden City, Minnesota.
The event provided over 200 free life jackets to attendees, with the goal of raising awareness about the critical importance of wearing life jackets while boating or participating in other water activities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 80 percent of boating-related drowning deaths occur when individuals are not wearing life jackets. This simple, effective piece of safety equipment continues to be one of the most important tools for protecting lives on the water.
Blue Earth County Sheriff Jeff Wersal commented on the successful event saying: “We greatly value our relationship with NMMA and were thrilled to partner with them once again for a life jacket giveaway at the Blue Earth County Fair. By equipping families with properly fitting life jackets, we ensure our community stays safe while enjoying activities out on the water. It was encouraging to see such an enthusiastic response to water safety at the fair this year!”
The giveaway also featured educational materials and demonstrations aimed at encouraging responsible behavior on the water. Local officials, including county commissioners and state legislators, were also in attendance to show their support for the event.
“Events like this are a great way to bring the community together while making water safety more accessible to everyone,” said Jesse McArdell, Senior Manager of Midwest Government Relations at NMMA. “We’re proud to work alongside county sheriff’s offices across Minnesota and look forward to continuing these partnerships for years to come.”