Enjoy the Water... Safely.

SUP-ing on Lake Union.

As we head into one of the hottest weekends on record, thousands of people are going to be jumping into the water for relief. I personally love water recreational activities—starting with Scuba diving since age 14 and more recently picking up stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP). But things in the water can go from calm to scary to tragic in a hurry, if we’re not safe.

Drownings and Water Accidents on the Rise

Per King County Public Health, in 2020, drowning deaths in King County doubled. Drowning continues to be the second leading cause of accidental death among children and teens.

Many teens and adults think that knowing how to swim or tread water is enough. But “Even for the most seasoned swimmer, drowning can happen quickly and without notice.” When a water incident leads to panic, people often lose the ability to make rational decisions and do what they are trained to do. Worse, people in a state of panic can pose a danger to themselves and others, without knowing or being able to control it.

Staying Safe

The most important thing people can do is wear a life jacket and strengthen swimming and safety skills. In addition, river safety is especially important: “River water can be high, fast, and contain hidden rocks and logs, making rivers extremely dangerous and unpredictable places to recreate.” And of course, don’t get drunk on the water.

Laws on Water Safety, Water Accidents, and Drownings

Legal standards for water safety are pretty similar to safety on land. People have a general duty to use reasonable care to prevent injury or death. This means, among many things, looking out for other boaters, maintaining safe premises for beaches and docks, and in the case of supervised water activities, meeting the standard of care for those activities.

More specific information about water standards can be found here.

I have had the unfortunate honor of representing families of loved ones who drowned or were injured in the water, from boat collisions to river kayak and Scuba drownings. These tragedies are entirely preventable. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed on the water, please feel free to contact me for a free consultation.