SEATTLE — As far as Pacific Northwest forecasts go, this weekend's calls for one thing: enjoying the great outdoors.
While warm weather and temperatures in the low 80s are ahead, the Washington State boating law administrator has one main message for those who choose to venture into any of the local lakes, rivers or waters.
“Wear that life jacket – doesn’t matter if it’s a canoe, kayak, stand-up paddle board, 19-foot fishing boat – please put that life jacket on," said Rob Sendak, who also manages the state's recreational boating safety program. "The water is cold here in Washington state year-round."
Western Washington’s lakes, rivers and Puget Sound remain cold even if the air feels warm. Puget Sound remains around 51 degrees, Lake Washington is typically around 53 degrees and Lake Sammamish stays around 55 degrees. Rivers range from 44 to 59 degrees.
People who plan to go in the water are less of a concern, Sendak said, but it’s those who fall into the water by accident that cause experts to worry.
In 2023, there were 23 reported fatalities in recreational boating in Washington state, according to Sendak. Of those, 15 people were in "human-powered watercraft," meaning stand-up paddle boards, canoes or kayaks without motors. Fourteen of those people were not wearing life jackets, he said.
“Cold water shock is a real thing,” he said. Think about it this way, Sendak said: "You can't put your seatbelt on after the accident."
If you fall in, state experts explain the 1-10-1 cold water survival principle.
You have 1 minute to stay calm and control your breathing and 10 minutes of useful movement for self-rescuing before your body begins to shut down. After that, you have 1 hour of consciousness until hypothermia sets in.
“It is very, very fast,” Sendak said. In addition to in nature, "people drown in backyard pools, bathtubs and it’s very quick and very silent.”
KING 5 Chief Meteorologist Mike Everett said a "warm wave" will be covering western Washington beginning Thursday through Sunday.
Temperatures peak on Friday and Saturday, topping out around 80 degrees, then ease into a comfortable mid-70s on Sunday. Next week, it's back to temperatures in the 60s and chances of light rain.
National Safe Boating Week begins May 18-24. For more information on recreational boating in Washington or more information on an upcoming safety camp for kids, visit parks.wa.gov/boating.