SEATTLE (AP) — As rivers swell following heavy snow run off, King County officials want to require life-jackets for people swimming in the county’s rivers.
The Seattle Times reports that June usually brings a spike in drownings around the state as people take dips in the water during the sunny days. But drownings in King County have declined recently: Last year’s 13 deaths were half of the average, and no child has drowned in three years.
Still, King County Executive Dow Constantine wants to an $86 fine for swimmers, boaters and floaters without life vests on King County portions of the Snoqualmie, Tolt, Cedar, Green, White, Raging and Skykomish rivers. King County Councilmember Larry Phillips is expected to introduce a measure establishing the requirement next week.
Under the plan, the first offense would be a warning.
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Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com
