With temperatures reaching 80 degrees, King County and Mercer Island officials urge everyone to be careful when heading out for fun on the water.
King County recently released a press release about safety for swimmers in cold rivers, lakes and in Puget Sound.
Seventeen people died in preventable drownings last year. Practice safety by swimming in lifeguarded areas, wearing life jackets and avoiding alcohol when swimming.
Opening Day of boating on Lake Washington was Saturday. The Reporter asked Sgt. Brian Noel of the Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) and Marine Patrol to share some boating safety tips.
-Be sure your vessel is in good running condition, and all equipment on board is working properly.
-Be sure your vessel is equipped with all the other USCG required equipment (Type 4 throwable life ring, fire extinguisher, sound making device/horn).
-It is required in Washington State that if you were born after 1955, you mush have a Boater Education Card. Information on how to get this can be found at https://www.boat-ed.com/
-Be sure that you have enough USCG certified life preservers for everyone on board, and they are in good condition and of proper size. Kids under the age of 12 are required to were life preservers at all time on vessels 19 feet or less.
-Though the weather is warm outside, the water can be shockingly cold. If you go swimming don’t swim alone, and better would be having a designated lookout or “lifeguard.”
-Have someone fill the role of “designated skipper,” and don’t consume alcoholic beverages while boating.
-Be aware of what is going on around you.
-If you or someone else needs assistance, call 911.
And most important, have a safe, fun time!
