Local Lifejacket Drive Aims to Save Lives

CEDAR SPRINGS — Nearly nine months after her 4-year-old son, Silas, drowned at Long Lake Park, Kaila Palmer is working to make sure other families are spared the same heartbreak.

On July 25, 2025, first responders were called to Long Lake Park in Solon Township around 8 p.m. after an unresponsive child was pulled from the water. Despite extended resuscitation efforts, the child was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.

Silas Palmer - Photo Courtesy of Kaila Palmer

For Palmer, the loss changed everything.

“Losing Silas changed every part of my life,” she said. “After he passed, I kept coming back to one thought, if there was any way to prevent another family from feeling this kind of pain, I had to try. This drive is my way of turning something unimaginable into something that could protect other children.”

In Silas’ memory, Palmer has organized a community-wide lifejacket drive, collecting new and gently used lifejackets to distribute to local families ahead of summer.

“It doesn’t take away the loss, but it gives it purpose,” Palmer said. “It gives Silas a way to still live in the present while other little kids safely enjoy something that he loved to do.”

Lifejackets can be dropped off at The Village Learning Center, 190 N. Main St., Cedar Springs, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or dropped off outside the office doors at Solon Township Fire Department, 2305 19 Mile Road NE, Cedar Springs.

Jen Ruwersma, owner of The Village Learning Center, said the tragedy deeply affected the community.

“This was a tragic event that shook our community and I think making lifejackets available to our community’s kids is an amazing way to honor his memory,” Ruwersma said. “We’re happy to accept donations to help with this drive.”

Palmer also hopes the effort sparks important conversations about water safety.

“I wish more people understood how quickly it can happen, and that it doesn’t always come with warning signs,” she said. “It’s not always loud or obvious, once it starts, there’s very little time to react.”

While the grief remains overwhelming, Palmer said focusing on helping others has given her strength.

“It’s been incredibly hard. There’s no way around that,” she said. “But putting my energy into something that could help others has given me a sense of purpose in the middle of my grief. Some days it’s the only thing that makes sense.”

She said the support from neighbors, friends and the community at large has made a difference.

“The way the community has showed up and been there has carried me through some of my darkest moments,” Palmer said. “It reminds me that there is still so much good in the world.”

Palmer hopes to see the lifejacket drive become an annual tradition in Silas’ memory, growing each year to reach more families.

“I want people to know that this isn’t just about donations, it’s about protecting children and supporting families,” she said. “Every single act of support, no matter how small, matters. It all adds up to something that could save a life.”

Distribution of the donated lifejackets will take place in early June at a location to be determined.

Stay tuned to the Cedar Springs Bugle for updates.