KINGSTON — North Kitsap is paradise for boating and water sports enthusiasts, and with summer coming in like a high tide, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is working to ensure it is safe for youngsters.

With this in mind, USCGA members Norma Bailey, Loretta Rindal and Joni Priest are making their rounds through local elementary schools, giving children the commonsense and knowledge to avoid tragedy in the coming months. The trio continued its efforts as it met with Wolfle Elementary second and third graders Wednesday morning.

“This is the first time we have done our presentations in the North Kitsap School District,” Bailey said. USCGA members met with Suquamish Elementary first through fourth grades recently an will travel to Vinland Elementary to meet with second and third graders next week.

Bailey said the group is excited about promoting water safety to students.

“If we can save a child’s life, it’s worth all of the effort we put into this,” she said.

The presentation was organized by the USCGA as a way to provide students an opportunity to become actively involved. Lifejacket, hypothermia and seat cushion stations were set up so students could get hands on with items pertaining to water safety.

“The hypothermia station is something that will show the students how cold water can be,” Bailey said. “We fill up buckets with water and those students who want to can put their hand in for one or two minutes to feel how cold the water is for a short amount of time.”

During the presentation, Priest asked students if they knew what the current temperature of the water is in Apple Tree Cove in Kingston. After students offered a wide array of answers, Priest informed the group, “The water temperature is usually between 50 and 57 degrees. Your body temperature is usually 98 degrees. It’s a 31 degree difference. That explains why someone could easily get hypothermia if they were in that cold of water for too long.”

Bailey stressed the importance of wearing a lifejacket at all times when in or near the water. Students were shown how to properly don a life jacket during the presentation.

“Even if you’re playing on a beach, you should have your life jacket on,” she said to students. “It’s very important to always be safe. It’s always good to have bright colored life jackets, too.”

Rindal concurred with Bailey’s assessment.

“Water is one of the most irresistible activities for anyone. Kids will be there no matter what. We want them to stay focused and have as much information as they can regarding water safety,” she said. “When they go into the water we want them to have a good time and all come home together later on.”

Wolfle Elementary third grade teacher Beth Schneidler said it’s vital for students to have as much information available to them as possible regarding water safety.

“There’s so much water around here,” she said. “It’s important they listen and take to heart what these ladies taught them today. It could end up saving their lives if they’re ever in trouble in the water.”