Use caution when swimming in local waterways

During the past few weeks, temperatures have begun to heat up. It’s the time of year when many are drawn to the area’s natural waterways. Pacific Northwest residents are blessed to have access to rivers, streams, lakes and ponds to enjoy from afar and to cool off in up close.

But these beautiful surroundings are also dangerous. It’s a danger that is unfortunately illustrated nearly every summer as local residents and visitors suffer preventable injuries and in the worst cases, death. These situations often occur when people underestimate the power and lack of predictability that exist when it involves open water swimming and other activities.