What Can Be Done to Raise Drowning Awareness at Lake Tapps County Park?

Sunday’s is the third drowning of the year on Lake Tapps and the second at Pierce County Park, prompting civic leaders to consider ways to raise awareness at the community watering hole.

Posting more warning signs isn’t enough, said Pierce County councilman Dan Roach – sometimes it takes something more poignant to get the message across.

“I’d like to put up a memorial… a nice sign that honors those who drowned in the county park, so when people go into the swimming area, they can read that and reflect on it,” said Roach. “Maybe they’ll realize, ‘right here, where I’m about to swim, a number of people have died, so it is a real risk.’”

The three deaths this year set a grim record, tying with 2010 for the most drowning deaths on Lake Tapps in a season. The three young men who drowned this year were all under 21 years old – was 16, was 20 and Weekly was 19. Eight people have died on Lake Tapps since 2008, and most were men within that age range.

“We need to focus our efforts on educating males between the ages of 16 and 25, specifically,” said Roach. “When you look at national statistics on causes of accidental death, drowning is at the top.”

While something needs to be done, Roach doesn't believe lifeguards are the answer.

“I don’t think installing lifeguards at the park is a realistic solution to ending deaths – there is 10,000 feet of waterfront at [Pierce County Park] and when people swim beyond their means, tragedies happen,” said Roach. “You could put 20 lifeguards out there still couldn’t make sure its safe for everyone.”

Metro Parks is going to start posting water temperature on a daily basis at the park and the Pierce County Council is brainstorming other ways to promote safety and raise funds for more safety measures, including reinstatement of a lifejacket kiosk.

The kiosk was discontinued at Pierce County Park a couple years ago because the lifejackets were stolen.

Roach hopes to engage members of the community in a brainstorming session on how to promote safety at the park and encourages residents to email him through the Pierce County website to get involved.