In spring and early summer, lakes and rivers in Southwest Washington are still cold, and water may be moving quickly
VANCOUVER – With high temperatures in the forecast for the weekend, Clark County Public Health is reminding people to take caution in and around water – especially area lakes and rivers. In spring and early summer, lakes and rivers in Southwest Washington are still cold, and water may be moving quickly.
“Even as temperatures rise, lakes and rivers are still cold enough to shock and immobilize even the strongest swimmers,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director.
Public Health urges people of all ages to follow these tips for safe swimming and recreating in all bodies of water this weekend and throughout the summer:
- Know your limits. Drowning often occurs when swimmers tire.
- Avoid fast-flowing waters, including rivers and ocean beaches with riptides.
- Don’t swim alone.
- Avoid distractions when children are swimming or around water. Children should be supervised by adults anytime they are in or around water. Supervision requires complete attention, even if another adult is present. Drowning can happen swiftly and silently.
- Wear a life jacket. Children, teens and adults should wear life jackets while boating, using a personal watercraft, inner tubing or while using other water sports equipment. Life jackets should also be worn while swimming in lakes, rivers or the ocean. By law, children 12 years and younger must wear a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket or vest on all vessels 18 feet or smaller.
- Avoid alcohol and marijuana use when swimming or boating.
- Don’t dive into shallow water or jump off bridges or cliffs.
- Swim in designated swimming areas only. Signs will be viewable letting you know when and where it’s safe to swim.
- Teach children how to swim. Enroll children in swim lessons when they are ready. Early and often swim lessons will teach children the skills needed to stay safe while in and around water.
Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.
Also read:
- A bill giving AGO ‘enormous amount of power’ clears House committee
Senate Bill 5925 would expand the Washington Attorney General’s authority to issue civil investigative demands without a judicial warrant. - Vancouver Police arrest domestic violence suspect
Vancouver Police arrested K Lodge Lodge on a felony warrant tied to a November 2025 domestic violence case after locating him on W 35th Street. - Passion meets purpose: Apply to join a city of Vancouver Board or Commission
The city of Vancouver is accepting applications for nine Boards and Commissions and hosting a March 18 open house at Cascade Park Community Library. - Battle Ground Public Schools to hold listening sessions, collect input on budget cuts
Battle Ground Public Schools will host two public listening sessions and open online tools as it prepares for roughly $20 million in cuts for 2026-27. - Clark County Council discusses resolution on unity
Clark County councilors debated a proposed unity resolution, with questions about redundancy, enforcement and community input before moving it forward. - Clark County nonprofits receive $154,950 in 2025
Windermere Northwest Living donated $154,950 in 2025 to three Vancouver-area nonprofits serving low-income children and families. - Opinion: ‘Teachers and administrators who even SUSPECT child abuse must report to law enforcement’
Lars Larson argues that school officials in Longview failed to follow mandatory reporting laws after allegations of rape at Mark Morris High School.
