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Heath Council approves Cook Children’s loaner life‑jacket station at Terry Park
Summary
The Heath City Council unanimously approved participation in Cook Children’s loaner life‑jacket program for Terry Park, with staff to inspect the kits weekly and the city attorney and insurer to confirm liability coverage under the recreational‑use framework.
Heath City Council on Feb. 4 approved city participation in a Cook Children’s loaner life‑jacket station program for Terry Park, voting unanimously to authorize the city manager to execute agreements after city attorney review.
The item grew from public comment by Bobby Gladue, a member of a search‑and‑recovery dive team who urged the council to install loaner jackets at lakeside parks and boat ramps. "Kids 1 to 4 — the number one reason for death between the ages of 1 to 4 is drowning," Gladue said, arguing the stations are used immediately and returned by patrons.
Staff recommended the program as a no‑cost option that provides a kit and life jackets from Cook Children’s. Parks staff would perform weekly inspections after training from Cook Children’s, and the city would handle seasonal removal and basic maintenance. Miss Gordon told the council Cook Children’s and volunteers will help construct and manage the stations and that the YMCA has assisted similar programs nearby with seasonal pickup and storage.
Council members pressed staff on liability and insurance. City Attorney Jen said, "We are protected under the recreational use statute," but she cautioned there is no directly on‑point case law for life‑jacket stations. Councilman Scott Dodson asked staff to confirm coverage with the Texas Municipal League and the city’s insurance carrier before final execution; staff agreed to do so and to report back.
Council voted on a motion by Councilwoman Michelle Thurgood, seconded by Councilman Scott Dodson, to approve participation and authorize the city manager to execute the required agreements with city attorney review. The motion carried unanimously.
Next steps: staff will confirm insurance/rider coverage with the Texas Municipal League and the insurer, finalize the agreement language, coordinate station placement and aesthetics with Mr. Gladue and Parks, and begin weekly inspection procedures if the final agreement is executed.
