May 2023 is bringing in some of the hottest days of the year before summer starts. People all over the Puget Sound area are struggling to find ways to stay cool, resorting to the default, swimming in lakes.  Although swimming in larger bodies of water is the best way for some to chill off, the cold waters are not  so inviting this time of the year.  

Throughout the cold winters, most of our mountain ranges, like the cascades, experienced multiple feet of snow. With sudden weather changes, like Seattle getting up to 90 degrees in a short time period, the snow is coming down the rivers in large quantities. All the snow and ice are causing the bodies of water people usually swim in, like Lake Sammamish, to be below swimming temperature, which is about 60 degrees Fahrenheit.  

After the 2022 summer, when the weather was reaching record-breaking temperatures, people assumed they could jump into these lakes and ports without any risks. KIRO Newsradio Meteorologist  Ted Buehner talks in an article about the risks of diving in. “‘If you accidentally fall in, that’s when you go into that cold water shock… And that’s what can rapidly lead to drownings, just in those opening seconds that you are in that water,” said Buehner in the article “Cold water remains dangerous despite  Seattle heatwave”. The water is so cold that it is to the point where if you touch it, your body will go into a shock mechanism.  

Although there have been countless warnings, accidents are still prone to happen. On May 14,  2023, a man and his friends went swimming in Lake Sammamish. The King5 article “Man drowns in  Lake Sammamish during heat wave”, talks about how the man, only 18 at the time, was a strong swimmer, so there was no concern from family. The cause of death was cold water shock, meaning water entered his lungs and caused his body to shut down. “The cold temperatures restrict breathing and lower your blood pressure. If a person is not wearing a life jacket they can then drown quickly,” King5  reporters said in their article. Even the strongest swimmers cannot fight a cold water shock without a life  vest and proper safety precautions.  

Although it seems there is no hope because of the cold waters, there are other ways to stay cool during the heat waves of Washington. One way to stay cool during the heat waves is to find areas with air conditioning. Most homes in Washington do not have AC because of the typical cold weather, meaning 

having to look for other places to cool off. “Beaches, pools, spray parks, and wading pools.” These are all places suggested by the City of Seattle in their article “Summer Heat Safety”.  

Another way to stay cool during the heat waves is to modify your house. “Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.” is one of the ways the city is trying to help. They also suggest eating  cold meals to avoid kitchen appliances like the oven.  

Finally, do fewer activities in the direct heat if possible. “Limit outdoor activities to before 11 am  or after 6 pm because it is cooler.” There are other tips as well. Examples include staying in the shade,  drinking more than enough water, and knowing the limits of your body. This includes how much heat you  can take realistically.  

Beating the heat in Washington is not difficult if you have the right resources and tools. The weather will throw more heat at Washington before the summer, meaning everyone needs to practice safe  options to cool off and follow their local advisory warnings. Stay safe and enjoy the sun!

Sources: 

Gamez, Micki. “Cold Water Remains Dangerous Despite Seattle Heatwave.” MyNorthwest.com, 15 May  2023, mynorthwest.com/3888302/swimmers-beware-record-breaking-heat-cold-water-dangerous. 

“Man Drowns in Lake Sammamish During Heat Wave.” King 5 News, 15 May 2023,  www.king5.com/article/news/local/man-drowns-lake-sammamish-heat-wave/281-6d48728a 2bdc-4b6d-b2c5-eb9aa7ba3338. 

White, Tony. “Keep Cool and Stay Safe With the City of Seattle Heat Safety Webpage – Tech  Talk.” Tech Talk, 12 May 2023, techtalk.seattle.gov/2023/05/12/keep-cool-and-stay-safe-with the-city-of-seattle-heat-safety-webpage.