Any first responder on the scene of a drowning tragedy can tell you they will never forget the horrifying heartbreak of families and friends standing next to the river while rescuers try to locate their loved ones.

In many cases, these incidents are easily preventable.

This summer, we expect our local rivers to be running at levels not seen in decades, making an already dangerous situation even more perilous for anyone who goes in these cold and fast-running waters. Tragically, we’ve lost several lives on our rivers in recent years, and with the extreme conditions this summer we’re in serious danger to lose more.

Public education alone is not enough. Despite such local efforts in our community, a study last year on the Cedar River showed that 61 percent of our kids and 98 percent of our teenagers are not wearing personal flotation devices, or PFDs.

That’s why the King County Council now has before it an emergency ordinance to require lifejackets on King County rivers in unincorporated areas through the end of October this year.

We know that PFDs can save lives: the U.S. Coast Guard reports that between 85 and 90 percent of boating related drowning victims are not wearing lifejackets. And a recent study indicates that wearing a PFD may potentially prevent one in two drowning deaths among recreational boaters.

What this proposal calls for is a first warning to floaters and swimmers –  some of them children on air mattresses and floats designed for swimming pools – who may be unaware of the new requirement and the danger they are posing to themselves and to others who would risk their own lives if rescue were needed. It is only for those who would float or swim our swift, cold and dangerous rivers unprotected, after being warned by a uniformed deputy, that a ticket would be issued.

While a civil fine backs up this proposed requirement, ideally King County would cite no one. Because that would mean more people are wearing PFDs. It would mean the need for large, risky and expensive rescue operations would be reduced. Most importantly, it would mean we are avoiding needless tragedies.

If you do want to float the river, at the very least wear a PFD. Better yet, consider a professional guide service with proper training and safety gear, including lifejackets.

First responders like Eastside Fire and Rescue, King County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, and Mountain View Fire and Rescue Swiftwater Team are overwhelmingly supporting this ordinance. It has the strong backing of the Seattle Children’s Hospital, River Safety Council, state Parks and Recreation Commission, U.S. Coast Guard, and many more.

We urge readers to recognize the merits of a lifejacket requirement. Drowning tragedies on our rivers are preventable, and we can make a difference this summer through this common sense proposal that will help us enjoy the river safely.

Sincerely,

Sue Rahr, King County Sheriff

Lee Soptich, fire chief, Eastside Fire and Rescue

Dr. David Fleming, director, Public Health – Seattle & King County

Christie True, director, King County Natural Resources and Parks