Summer vacation is here at last! – How to keep outdoor fun safe

June 27, 2023.Reading time 8 minutes.

For many families, the end of the school year can mean heading to the water, hopping on a bike, or playing at a nearby playground. While you’re enjoying these summer activities, there are some things you can do to keep you and your family safe.

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.

As Drowning Deaths Doubled in King County in 2020, Water Safety Is More Important Than Ever

June 24, 2021.Reading time 5 minutes.

With hot summer days comes an increased desire to cool off in the region’s pools, beaches, rivers, and lakes. But in 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic pushed more people towards outdoor activities, King County saw drowning deaths double compared to 2018. Thirty-three people lost their lives in King County waters last year, nearly 70% of which occurred in open water incidents and drowning continues to be the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children and teens.

Shellfish harvesting can resume on Vashon Island’s Spring Beach after a unified effort stopped pollution

October 22, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

Puget Sound and Vashon Island beaches are cleaner today thanks to an effort led by Public Health’s Environmental Health Services Division.

Safe Swimming in COVID times

July 15, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

As the weather gets warmer, you may want to go to the beach to enjoy the rivers and lakes in our area. But this summer, due to COVID-19 spread and budget cuts, many beaches in Seattle and King County do not – or likely will not – have a lifeguard on duty, and many will remain closed. Additionally, many swim lesson programs are cancelled, and most open beaches will not have life jacket loaner stations available this year.

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 […]