SPANAWAY, Wash. -- Free loaner life jackets have disappeared and were apparently stolen from a life jacket kiosk at Spanaway Lake, according to KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

Central Pierce Fire & Rescue and Safe Kids coalition of Pierce County had a dedication ceremony last month at Spanaway Lake to make free loaner life jackets available to the public.

On June 27, employees placed 20 life jackets into a life jacket kiosk, and four days later there were only two left, according to Matt Holm, assistant fire chief with Central Pierce Fire and Rescue.

Central Pierce purchased 20 additional life jackets on July 8, and by Monday morning July 14 all but five of those were left.

“I am surprised,” said Holm. “This program has worked extremely well in other areas including here in Pierce County with no more than three or so missing by the end of the season. Here, it has taken only two weeks, and 35 of the 40 life jackets are missing and presumed stolen.”

The purpose of the life jacket loaner program is to allow children and adults the opportunity to play in and around the water safely.