CAMANO ISLAND — This time of year, muddy tidal flats can stretch from Warm Beach to Camano Island.
On a hot day, the flats can pose an inviting welcome to walk right across.
Bad idea. The tide comes in fast, as a group of high-schoolers recently learned. They were rescued by beachgoers last week, and one was treated for hypothermia, said Levon Yengoyan, assistant chief at Camano Island Fire and Rescue.
Summer officially starts in June, but sunny days already have brought boaters, rafters and swimmers to local waters. Saturday marks the start of shrimping, too.
Police and firefighters once again are warning people to be safe. This past weekend saw the first fatal accident of the season, a rafting death on the Sultan River. The water temperature was 46 degrees when the raft overturned, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Lt. Rodney Rochon said.
The victim has been identified as Travis Lee Albin, 38, of Sultan, according to the county medical examiner’s office.
At least 10 people drowned in the county in 2013. Last July alone, two swimmers drowned in Martha Lake.
“And time and time again we are finding people in the water with no life jacket,” Rochon said. “The majority of them have little to no swimming experience.”
On-duty deputies aren’t allowed within 10 feet of the water’s edge without a life jacket, he said.
“That’s how seriously we take this because strange things happen in that proximity,” he said. “You slip and fall and something happens and the next thing you know you’re in the water.”
Paying attention to the environment — such as a river versus a lake — and knowing your swimming ability is key, Rochon said.
Boaters need to go over their equipment, including the trailer and straps, before heading out, he said. Batteries might start a time or two and then leave boaters stranded.
River bottoms and banks are ever-changing, Rochon said. Even casual rafters should wear a jacket, bring a safety whistle and watch for debris.
Pool toys are not appropriate for moving water, and children can’t be left alone to play in or near the water. Ever.
“They always, always, always need to be watched and that doesn’t mean peeking out at them every once in awhile,” Rochon said. “It means constant, sheepdog mentality, I’m going to sit there and watch those children and that’s the only function of my life right now.”
Check out designated swim areas in the county, such as Lake Goodwin, but remember there aren’t lifeguards posted, Rochon said. The county’s free life jacket cabinets open the Friday before Memorial Day and usually stay open through Labor Day, according to Fire District 1.
Some fire departments also offer free use of life jackets. It never hurts to call the local police or fire department and ask about water conditions ahead of time.
Monroe fire headquarters at 163 Village Court has jackets available in all sizes, Battalion Chief Erik Liddiatt said. People always can ask for advice about where to go swimming, he said.
“We always advise people to stay out of the rivers,” he said. “That’s where most of the drownings and accidents seem to occur in our area.”
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
For more information about boater education, go to www.boatered.org.
For child safety and life jacket rental information, go to www.snosafekids.org.
Know your limits; do not attempt a section of river beyond your skill level.
Pay attention to weather and water conditions. Wear wool clothing or a wet suit and dress for the water temperature. If the water temperature and air temperature combined total 100 degrees or less, wear protective clothing.
Enter cold water slowly.
Avoid swimming near boat ramps or in boating areas.
Avoid downed trees, snags and confluences.
If your vessel capsizes, float on your back, feet together and pointed downstream.
If you go over a ledge or drop, tuck into a ball.
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