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Summary
Citing continued high rates of preventable drowning deaths, King County officials urge caution around water this summer. Over half of recent drowning deaths occurred in open water, where temperatures remain dangerously cold and rivers can have swift currents and submerged obstacles.
Story
With summer activities kicking off this Memorial Day weekend, King County officials are urging residents to take extra precautions around water as new data shows a continued high number of preventable drowning deaths.
From 2018 through 2024, 190 people lost their lives to preventable drowning in King County, averaging more than 27 deaths annually. This compares to an average of 18 deaths per year from 2014 – 2017. Most (73%) of these deaths were among men and more than 60% of decedents had drugs and/or alcohol in their system at the time of the incident.
In 2024, the number of preventable drowning deaths declined slightly for the first time since 2018, based on preliminary data, dropping to 25 from 30 deaths in 2023.
“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.”
Water safety tips
Experts at the King County Sheriff’s Office, Public Health – Seattle & King County, and the Department of Natural Resources and Parks shared these potentially life-saving tips for anyone enjoying the water this summer:
- 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
Cold water and rivers are a hidden danger – even on hot days
The water in King County open water remains dangerously cold well into summer and rivers often have swift currents and submerged obstacles.
Of the 190 drowning deaths over the past seven years, more than half (53%) occurred in open water—including rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound. Lake Washington, the Green and Snoqualmie rivers, and Puget Sound were among the most frequent locations.
In King County, many rivers and lakes stay between 50 and 60 degrees in summer. Swimming in this cold water – even when the temperature outside is hot - can trigger a physiological response that leads to panic, rapid breathing, and drowning, especially without a life jacket.
“King County’s lakes, rivers and marine waters are spectacular but can also be dangerous,” said John Taylor, Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks. “Even strong swimmers can experience muscle failure from cold water shock within seconds. And rivers that appear calm can have strong currents and hidden obstacles.”
Along with dangerously cold water from melting mountain snow, seasonal flooding can alter rivers from year to year. That can lead to changes in currents, water depth, and new logjams and branches that can harm swimmers and rafters caught in a swift flow. Experts recommend paddleboarders not wear an ankle leash while recreating on rivers, noting that they can get caught in debris and rocks.
The King County Sheriff’s Office’s Marine Rescue Dive Unit deploys specially trained and equipped deputies responsible for water-related law enforcement, investigations, rescues, and recovery. Since they cover an extremely large area, they ask the public to be as diligent as possible while enjoying local waterways.
“We strongly recommend anyone taking part in any water activities wear a life jacket,” said Sergeant Rich Barton, who oversees the Marine Unit for the King County Sheriff’s Office. “The water can be a dangerous place for even the strongest of swimmers. Many paddle boarders are surprised to learn life jackets are required for that sport as well. They can and will save your life.”
Resources
Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for more than two million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day. More at www.kingcounty.gov/health
Keep up with the latest Public Health news in King County by subscribing to the department’s blog, Public Health Insider.
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