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Safety | Outdoors

Summertime Water Safety

May 28, 2022

There are hundreds of places to go for a nice swim throughout the waterways of the Pacific Northwest. Yes, most trips result in happy memories. But too many families lose a loved one due to an avoidable drowning or water accident. As you venture out to your favorite spot, be sure to keep an extra eye on the kids and follow these safe swimming guidelines.

Nobody is Drown Proof

Make sure everyone in your family is a good swimmer, including the adults. If someone doesn’t know how to swim, they shouldn’t be in the water.

Life Jackets are for Everyone

Many lives could be saved every year if people simply used life jackets. Experienced swimmers, as well as those new to the water, should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket whenever possible. This includes kids, tweens, teens, and adults.

Follow the Rules

When possible, go swimming in designated areas with lifeguards. In addition, always keep these safety tips in mind:

  • Swim with a buddy (try to team one adult with one kid, if possible).
  • Never leave young children unattended (even if they aren’t in the water).
  • Avoid alcohol when swimming (you need to be coherent at all times).
  • Actively supervise young children (even if there is a lifeguard).

Hot Weather and Cold Water

The two are a dangerous combination. That’s because Oregon and Washington’s waterways can be very cold, even in the summer heat. That cold water, along with currents and underwater hazards, is responsible for dozens (if not hundreds) of drownings every year.

What to do in an Emergency

  • Always have a phone handy and someone on standby to call 9-1-1.
  • If a child is missing always check the water first.
  • Have extra life vests or floatation devices handy in case of an emergency.
  • If someone is in trouble try reaching them with an object rather than swimming out yourself. All too often            both the person in trouble and rescuer drown during rescue attempts.

Coastal Has Your Summertime Supplies

You’ll find life jackets and other summertime camping and water-fun gear at your West Coast-owned and operated Coastal. While you’re there, be sure to check out your store’s lineup of hunting and fishing equipment, along with everything else you need to have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Find a Store
Locations within 500 miles of current store.

East Wenatchee

260 Highline Dr
WA, 98802

0.0 Miles

Yakima

2112 South 1st Street
WA, 98903

58.2 Miles

Monroe

19881 US-2
WA, 98272

84.4 Miles

Auburn

1425 Outlet Collection Way
WA, 98001

92.4 Miles

Marysville

9623 State Ave #13
WA, 98270

99.6 Miles

Mount Vernon

2021 Market Street
WA, 98273

119.2 Miles

Lacey

5500 Martin Way E
WA, 98516

121.1 Miles

The Dalles

2600 W 6th Street
OR, 97058

131.2 Miles

Sequim

990 East Washington Building A, Suite 101
WA, 98382

138.5 Miles

Gresham

2865 NE Hogan Dr
OR, 97030

165.1 Miles

Oregon City

1900 McLoughlin Boulevard SE Ste 120
OR, 97045

178.7 Miles

Cornelius

3865 Baseline Rd.
OR, 97113

184.3 Miles

Woodburn

1550 Mt Hood Avenue
OR, 97071

197.8 Miles

Salem

1230 Lancaster Drive SE., #10
OR, 97317

214.9 Miles

Redmond

3141 S Hwy 97
OR, 97756

222.4 Miles

Albany

1355 Goldfish Farm Rd SE
OR, 97322

233.1 Miles

Corvallis

400 NE Circle Blvd
OR, 97330

241.2 Miles

Eugene

2200 W 6th Street
OR, 97402

269.0 Miles

Roseburg

782 NE Garden Valley Blvd.
OR, 97470

324.6 Miles

Klamath Falls

1776 Avalon St
OR, 97603

365.8 Miles

White City

7303 Crater Lake Hwy
OR, 97503

366.4 Miles