Snowmelt Causing Increased Hazards on King County Rivers

King County public safety officials are warning the public of increased dangers on waterways during the spring and summer of 2011. An unusually heavy amount of mountain snow is melting into King County river systems, with some Cascade Range river basins receiving roughly 200 percent of normal melt water.

“King County rivers are running fast and cold and are always extremely dangerous this time of year,” said King County Sheriff Sue Rahr. “But 2011 could bring even higher risks. We want to get the word out ahead of the Memorial Day weekend and before the next hot weather forecast that people should stay out of the rivers at this time.”

Local rivers have already claimed one victim this spring, a 29-year-old Bothell man whose body was recovered earlier this week from the Snoqualmie River near Fall City. He had tried to rescue his dog from the swirling currents of the swollen river, only to disappear himself.

In July of 2008, a 36-year-old Kirkland man drowned in the Snoqualmie while inner-tubing with friends. None of them wore life jackets or thermal protection.

The Cedar River was at flood stage for 12 consecutive days in January, and virtually every river system in the county experienced major flooding. The Sheriff’s Office has already closed a one-mile section of the Cedar River due to a hazardous logjam. Signage has been posted upstream warning the public about the closure.

There is even a possibility of minor flooding on the Snoqualmie River this week.  Before launching into rivers this spring, the public should check for recently identified boating hazards listed online here.

Flood season in King County usually ends in March, but the winter of 2010-11 saw several serious flooding events that reshaped King County river channels, created new undercut banks and moved and reoriented large wood and sediment. Many new hazards are already identified, but there are likely many others of which King County and river communities remain unaware.

On average, there are 23 drowning deaths annually in King County, with 60 percent occurring on open water, including rivers, lakes and the Puget Sound. The Sheriff’s Office, Public Health Departmenta nd the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) urge the public to be especially cautious.

They recommend that people should not swim in rivers, and at the very least should wear a life vest when navigating or doing recreational activities on rivers. Here are tips to staying safe:

• Swim only in areas with lifeguards.
• Swim, boat, tube and raft only when sober.
• Wear a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket or vest when swimming or boating in open water like the ocean, lakes and rivers. For children 12 years old and younger, it’s the law on all vessels less than 19 feet.
• Watch children closely when they are in or near any type of water; stay close enough to reach them immediately.
• Ensure all family members know how to swim.
• Learn CPR.

For more information on water safety and drowning prevention, including a listing of local lifeguarded pools and beaches, visit Public Health - Seattle & King County web pages at  www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/injury/water.