More dying in county waters

  • By David Olson and Katherine Schiffner / Herald Writers
  • Friday, August 13, 2004 9:00pm
  • Local NewsLocal news

Eighteen-year-old Jose Perez, who died Wednesday at Twin Lakes near Marysville, was Snohomish County’s 11th drowning victim so far this year.

By comparison, eight people drowned in 2003, and six drowned in 2002.

Perez plunged into the lake after wading down a slope that ended in a deep drop-off. He was found in 25 feet of water, according to Snohomish County sheriff’s deputy John Adams.

Signs posted nearby say “Swim at your own risk” and “No lifeguards” in English. Perez apparently did not speak English. He had traveled from Mexico to visit his father, who lives in Marysville.

The state Department of Health recommends that parks departments put up signs with pictures so people who do not read English understand the warnings, said Debbie Ruggles, of the Health Department’s injury prevention program. She worked on a June report on preventing child drownings.

“We have a growing number of immigrants and non-English-speaking populations using public facilities; we need to be aware of getting the message across,” Ruggles said. “Pictures will tell the story to a variety of populations.”

“No-diving” signs posted at Twin Lakes include pictures. But apparently no one has proposed expanding the number and type of picture signs, said Ron Martin, county parks director.

“I couldn’t say the issue has come up, frankly,” he said.

In light of Wednesday’s tragedy, “It’s certainly something that can be considered,” he added.

“We certainly do a good job of trying to warn the public, but maybe it’s not enough,” Martin said. “We’re certainly open to ideas on how to make our beaches, lakes and pools safer.”

Many stretches of water in Snohomish County have no warning signs at all. Signs with images may help prevent some deaths, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Jan Jorgensen said.

“Snohomish County is a large area with many rivers and lakes, and it’s impossible to put signs up everywhere,” she said. “What it comes down to is using good judgment. If you don’t have the knowledge or right equipment, you need to stay out of rivers and lakes.”

The warm, sunny weather this spring and summer may be why more people have drowned so far this year in Snohomish County than in all of 2003, county officials say.

There used to be lifeguards at Twin Lakes, but they were taken off the beaches eight to 10 years ago because of budget cuts, Martin said. No plans exist to bring them back.

“There really isn’t any money,” he said. “We’re making cuts in our budget all the time.”

Twin Lakes has a kiosk with life jackets that can be used for free.

Reporter David Olson: 425-339-3452 or dolson@heraldnet.com.

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