Summary 

King County officials are urging residents to be extra cautious at rivers due to the historic December flooding that changed conditions and created new potential hazards in rivers throughout the region.  

Story

King County officials are urging the public to be extra cautious on rivers this summer after major flooding this past December changed conditions and created new potential drowning hazards. They also warn that Lake Washington and Puget Sound remain dangerously cold even when the air temperature is warm.  

Widespread flooding this past December moved logs, rocks, and other hazards into rivers throughout King County, creating new drowning risks that might not be visible above the surface. Historically high flows shifted riverbeds, resulting in deeper or shallower pools that can create hazards for swimmers, tubers, boaters, and kayakers.  

“One of many ways we keep people in King County safe is by promoting open water safety to prevent drowning deaths,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “The most important message from our experts this summer is to be aware of potential new drowning hazards following the December flooding. While it’s always important to be cautious when swimming, tubing, or kayaking on rivers, it’s even more important this season.” 

B-ROLL PACKAGE OF RIVER CORRIDORS 

“We’re fortunate to have spectacular wild rivers in King County, but they can be deceptively dangerous during summer,” said Mo McBroom, Interim Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks. “If you go to the same river corridor you’ve gone to in previous summers, be aware that there could be new drowning hazards that aren’t visible above water. When in doubt, stay out.” 

Drowning fatalities have remained elevated for seven consecutive years, with 25 preventable drowning deaths in 2025. This continues a troubling trend that began in 2018, when the county recorded 16 fatal drownings, followed by a high of 33 deaths in 2020, a year marked by early‑season 100‑degree days and the absence of lifeguarded beaches or pools. These numbers underscore the ongoing risks in our region’s rivers, lakes, and open‑water areas — especially as more people head outdoors during warm weather.  

Researchers at Public Health – Seattle & King County have categorized the geographic locations of each fatal drowning in recent years, noting widespread risks. About 40% percent occurred in Seattle, 30% occurred in north and east King County, and 30% occurred in south King County.  

Nearly 30% of the 74 preventable drowning deaths in open water occurred in Lake Washington, while 11% occurred in Puget Sound. Two rivers – the Green River and the Snoqualmie River – accounted for 17% of preventable drownings.  

Public Health’s Violence and Injury Prevention Program offers water safety resources – including affordable life jackets, boater safety, and river safety – at kingcounty.gov/watersafety. 

“River water in our area can remain dangerously cold throughout the summer, causing even experienced swimmers to experience muscle failure within seconds,” said Dr. Sandra J. Valenciano, Health Officer and Acting Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Swim at lifeguarded beaches and pools, wear a life jacket when on the water, and always designate an adult to watch children in or near the water. Now is the perfect time to make use of community pools to learn to swim. These steps can prevent heartbreak and help everyone enjoy the water safely.” 

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 each summer. Since they cover a vast geographic area, they ask the public to be as diligent as possible while enjoying local waterways.  

“We have an extremely well-trained Marine Dive & Rescue Unit that is well equipped and able to get onto most waterways in King County,” said Sergeant Rich Barton, who oversees the Marine Unit.  “However, King County is quite large with hundreds of lakes and rivers, so the team urges people to wear lifejackets and to be as prepared as possible during this extremely busy time of the year.” 

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.  

• Don't consume alcohol or drugs near open water.  

• Always tell someone where you plan to enter and exit a river before you go out.  

• To assist others in a river: Reach, throw, don’t go.  

• When children are swimming or playing near the water, designate an adult to watch and stay nearby at all times.  

• Sometimes the best decision is to not enter open water if conditions appear risky. 

There are safer water recreation options, including public pools monitored by lifeguards. More information about public pools and free or low-cost swim lessons is available at King County Parks’ Weyerhaeuser Aquatic Center in Federal Way and Seattle Parks & Recreation. The King County Parks Levy provides funding to make aquatic centers operated by cities and school districts more accessible.   

“For many people in our region, spending time on the water is a Northwest summer tradition,” said Department of Local Services Director Leon Richardson. “Unincorporated King County is home to some of the most beautiful lakes and rivers anywhere, and we want people to be able to enjoy them safely. But the flooding we experienced this past year was unlike anything we’ve seen in recent memory and created new and sometimes hidden hazards in our waterways. Whether you’ve been recreating on these waters for years or are heading out for the first time, we encourage everyone to stay informed, use caution, and make safety a priority.” 

Resources

• Life jacket loaner stand locations 

• Lifeguarded beaches and outdoor pools 

Multimedia

• VIDEO: B-roll package available to download 

• PHOTO GALLERY: Images available to download