Swimming safety urged after 2 boys drown

KENT – Summer isn’t even a week old and we’ve already lost two more children to drowning.

An 8-year-old boy lost his life in Lake Roesiger on Sunday during a family picnic, and another 8-year-old boy drowned on the White River in Pierce County after he fell off a log Saturday.

Experts say the best protection is close supervision -- watching kids the entire time they’re in the water.

“It looks like a perfectly safe, typical family weekend out and it ends in tragedy,” said Kent Fire and Rescue Capt. Kyle Ohashi. “It’s a rude and quick start, but, unfortunately, it’s not unusual. Every year we start spring and summer with near drowning and, unfortunately, drowning because people are very eager after a cold and wet winter to get outside.”

Kids at Meridian Lake in Kent dove right into the water Monday, making the best of a cloudy summer afternoon. Ohashi said parks like this one, with lifeguards and roped-off swimming areas, are the safest way to go.

“Make sure you know the body of water; make sure you wear a lifejacket at all times,” said Ohashi. "That lifejacket, you have to make sure it fits properly and that it’s a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket.”

Officials also suggest calling local parks departments to get children swimming lessons now that summer is here.