King County officials urge caution at WA lakes, rivers amid drownings

SEATTLE - Preventable drownings have been on the rise in recent years, according to King County officials. Now, they want to urge caution going into the summer months. 

With Memorial Day weekend kicking off, and favorable weather conditions on the horizon, many Washingtonians will be heading outside for recreational activities. 

Officials want those going out to area lakes and rivers to practice caution. These waters can be dangerously cold this time of year. 

King County's water safety tips

• Wear a life jacket – discounts and loaners are available
• Do not consume alcohol and drugs when around water
• Remember that lakes, rivers and the ocean can remain dangerously cold even when the air temperature is warm
• Take extreme caution around rivers. If you do choose to enter a river, always tell someone where you plan to enter and exit before you leave home
• When children are swimming or playing near the water, designate an adult to watch and stay nearby at all times
• Swim at public pools monitored by lifeguards and enroll in swim lessons. More information about public pools, including free and low-cost swim lessons, from Seattle Parks and Recreation and King County’s Weyerhaeuser Aquatic Center

By the numbers:

From 2018-2024, 190 people died in King County drownings. During this period, 27 people died annually, an increase from the 18 annual deaths from 2014-2017. 

While these kinds of preventable drowning deaths decreased for the first time in 2024, the numbers remain high enough for officials to be concerned. 

What they're saying:

"Any decline in drowning deaths is welcome, but there are still far too many," said Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. "Each one of these deaths is tragic and preventable, and that’s why we’re urging everyone to take simple water safety precautions this summer."

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