How drowning risk is different since the 2025 floods: What you need to know before heading to the river

June 1, 2026.Reading time 8 minutes.

A forested river channel with flowing water and large fallen trees scattered across the stream and gravel bars. The logs form natural woody debris piles surrounded by dense green vegetation. “KING COUNTY DNRP” appears in the upper right corner.

After the 2025 floods reshaped many local rivers, currents, channels, and underwater hazards look different this summer. Cold water and hidden debris make drowning risks higher than people expect. A life jacket and a few simple choices can keep you and your family safer on the water.

Spring waters run cold: Preventing needless drownings in King County

May 3, 2022.Reading time 7 minutes.

Learn how we partnered with Mother Africa to help prevent needless drownings and increase water safety awareness in King County.

Summer is heating up – and so should your water safety planning

June 12, 2019.Reading time 7 minutes.

According to climate scientists, chances are it’s going to be a hotter summer than typical across King County. Hot weather brings people out to our region’s lakes, rivers and salt water areas looking to cool off and have fun. But the more folks flock to beaches and rivers, the higher the likelihood that more people […]

April Pools Day: Promoting equity, promoting activity

April 14, 2016.Reading time 6 minutes.

Where you live, the color of your skin, and the amount of money your family makes may affect your chances of drowning. Drowning prevention isn’t just a safety issue; it’s an issue of equity. Many resources related to water recreation such as learning to swim, access to safe sites, lifejackets, lifeguards, and water related education […]

5 simple safety tips for swimming in pools

July 14, 2015.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Click through the images to find out more about why these safety tips are so important. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website.

Getting warmer: let’s talk water safety

April 16, 2015.Reading time 5 minutes.

With summer approaching in the Northwest, layers of clothing slowly peel away, and thoughts turn to the water. Soon, local rivers, lakes and pools will start to fill with kids and families. I talked with Tony Gomez, our Violence and Injury Prevention Manager (and local water safety guru), to understand potential hazards on the water, […]