Seattle opens 6 lifeguarded beaches, wading pools
SEATTLE - The summer sun is rolling in hot for the first time this year. As appealing as a cold plunge sounds to cool off, Seattle urges residents to stay out of bodies of water to avoid cold water shock. An alternative is taking advantage of Seattle's splashpads, wading pools and beaches.
Historically, the months of May and June have the most drownings because people ignore the frigid water temperatures amid the warm weather.
Aside from the danger of cold water shock, materials from area birds tend to increase E. coli and other risks making the water unsafe in other respects, experts say. Bodies of water that lack constant movement, such as lakes, are the most susceptible to these risks.
Keep reading for a list of Seattle beaches with lifeguards and where to find the best wading pools and spray parks around the city.
Seattle beaches with lifeguards
Seattle Parks and Recreation is opening six of their seasonal lifeguarded beaches and wading pools on June 22. Lifeguards will monitor the beaches daily from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays. In accordance with the Parks and Recreation Swim Seattle initiative, free beach swimming lessons are available for young people ages 6 to 16.
Madrona Beach
West Green Lake Beach
Matthew's Park Beach
Madison Beach
Mt. Baker Beach
Pritchard Beach
Wading pools
In addition to the seasonal beaches, wading pools at park locations across Seattle will open on June 22. Wading pools are open with an attendant in season on sunny days when the temperature is expected to be 70 degrees or above.
Dates and times may vary depending on location and weather. The Wading Pool Hotline and the Wading Pool Facebook page provide daily updates on the hours and open status in the summer.
Beacon Hill
Bitter Lake Community Center
Dahl Playfield
Delridge Community Center
E. Queen Anne Playground
Gilman Playground
Greek Lake Park
Hiawatha Community Center
Lincoln Park
Peppi's Playground
Powell Barnett Park
Ravenna Park
Sandel Playground
Soundview Playfield
Van Asselt Community Center
View Ridge Playfield
Volunteer Park
Wallingford Playfield
Seattle spray parks
These spray parks will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day of the week through Labor Day.
Beacon Mountain in Jefferson Park
Tacoma spray parks
Ten spray parks will be open daily throughout the summer at the following Tacoma locations:
Wright Sprayground
Wapato Hills Sprayground
Verlo Sprayground
Titlow Sprayground
South Park Sprayground
SERA Campus Sprayground
Norpoint Sprayground
Kandle Sprayground
Jefferson Sprayground
Franklin Sprayground
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