Drowning is silent, not the Hollywood version of splashing and screaming. When water enters a person’s nose and mouth and then airway, they can’t speak or call for help.

Drowning can also happen fast—in less than a minute, for a child. It’s the number one cause of death for children under age five. According to Stop Drowning Now, a water safety advocacy group, 88 percent of those drownings take place with at least one adult present.

Signs indicating distress include a person swimming ineffectively or bobbing in water in an uncoordinated way; unable to keep their head above water; unable to talk or yell; attempting to roll onto their back but being unsuccessful; and/or displaying a panicked facial expression.

At rivers and lakes, most drowning victims are teens and young adults (age 15-25). Even for those who know how to swim, prolonged immersion in cold water—any water less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which applies to all Northwest lakes and rivers—can lead to fatigue and hypothermia.

Spent energy and exhaustion can prevent people from keeping their head above water or make them too tired to shout for help. Head injury or other trauma (e.g. from cliff jumping, rope swinging) can also render a person unconscious and unable to stay above water.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

No one is ever too old (or too cool) to wear a life jacket. Even though I worked as a lifeguard for eight years and was a competitive swimmer, I still wear a PFD whenever swimming in a lake or river.

According to the experts from NRS (Northwest River Supplies), based in Moscow, Idaho, “In the event of an on-the-water emergency, you won’t be able to help your child if you’re struggling to stay afloat. Besides, wearing your own life jacket demonstrates that safety is important to you. And what’s important to you will seem important to your child.” 

Laws require children to wear a PFD whenever aboard a vessel (age limits vary), including any non-motorized paddle craft, like a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. (NRS and REI have online advice for PFD fitting.)

Additionally, children should wear PFDs whenever in or near water, including on a dock or riverbank. Experts also advise those age five and younger to wear a PFD whenever on a beach.

Cold Water Shock

Sudden immersion in cold water, whether from falling off a dock (or intentionally jumping off) or because of an overturned watercraft, causes a gasp reflex, which can allow water into the airway. Gasping underwater risks inhaling water.

The initial shock of cold water immersion causes “involuntary gasping, hyperventilation, vertigo, and panic,” according to the Washington State Parks’ webpage for boating safety, and can last 3-5 minutes.

This can lead to suffocation by drowning (when water enters lungs) or cause a laryngospasm, when the larynx involuntary closes and inhibits breathing, which can cause “dry drowning,” an event when no water enters the lungs. For laryngospasm self-rescue, exhale to relax larynx and open airway by arching/tilting back head.

Hyperventilation (over-breathing), whether from cold water shock or overexertion, lowers the body’s carbon dioxide levels and can lead to a loss of consciousness or force a person to take a breath while submerged.

Wearing a PFD prevents a person from staying underwater and allows for a quicker rescue. Which makes it the best way to swim safe at a lake (or other open-water area like a river or ocean), no matter the age or swim-skill level of a person.

Water Rescue At A Lake: Reach, Throw, Row, Go

Adrenaline and instinct can prompt a rescuer to go into the water. But would-be rescuers risk becoming drowning victims themselves unless they are prepared.

Experts advise following these 4 steps for a rescue, should you need to attempt one (applied here to a lake setting when a distressed swimmer isn’t wearing a PDF):         

1. Reach: Extend an arm, paddle, or other object (brace yourself to prevent being pulled into deep water).
2. Throw: If too far away to reach, throw a floatation item to the person in distress.
3. Row: For rescues from a farther distance, paddle/boat to the person and then perform steps 1-2.
4. Go: As a last resort, swim to the victim (while wearing a PFD yourself). It can be a good idea to take along a flotation device to help them stay afloat until a rescue boat arrives.

Water Safety Checklist For Lake Swimming

Here are 3 key ways to minimize drowning risks in any swim setting, from StopDrowningNow.org. These are vital whenever at a lake, whether it’s a public park, private residence, or remote setting.

1. Designate a “Water Watcher”: undistracted (and completely sober) supervising adult who remains within arm’s length of swimmers at all times.
2. Remove toys from the water’s edge when not in use.
3. Have an emergency action plan: SDN recommends teaching children to “Reach or throw, don’t go! Let someone know!” Caregivers should all know how to swim and provide CPR.

For further reading: “Water Safety for Lakes, Rivers, and Beaches” from Washington State Department of Health; “Open Water Safety Checklist” (lakes, rivers, oceans) from Safe Kids Worldwide.

Amy McCaffree is Out There Kids columnist and enjoys paddling and swimming with her family.

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Now that my kids are getting older, they are more willing to take a break from waterplay to explore park trails. And when we’re camping, it’s nice to take a morning hike (or paddle) and then head to the campground beach or dock when the sun is higher in the sky.

Also, older kids and teens need independent experiences, like venturing along a trail solo or with a friend. Nature inspires soul-searching, and anytime our kids can get more screen-free serenity and exercise, the better.

These are eight of our favorite regional lake parks that offer great hiking and swimming options for hot summer days. Please note that most parks prohibit dogs on the beach, so it’s best to leave your furry kid at home.

NORTH IDAHO

City Beach & Pend d’ Oreille Bay Trail (Sandpoint): Walk the flat 3-mile trail, out and back, which follows the shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille. City Beach has it all, with plenty of lakefront sand.

Farragut State Park (Athol): Beaver Bay Beach requires a steep downhill jaunt from the parking lot and restrooms, but once you arrive there’s plenty of lakefront, calm water, and trails to explore in the forest all around the bay. Trails are also accessible right from the parking lot.

Round Lake State Park (Sagle): An easy trail loops around the lake and the beach has two docks, paddle gear rentals, and a PFD loaner station.

Tubbs Hill (Coeur d’Alene): Hike the trail, which can be a bit rocky and rugged for little kids, but you don’t need to go far to find a small sandy beach spot for private playtime. Hike in with all of your stuff, but you’ll need to hike back to the trailhead to use a porta-potty. (Restroom available at nearby McEuen Park.) Other nearby swim settings are Sanders Beach or City Beach.

WASHINGTON

Bear Lake Regional Park (Chattaroy): Hike the trail around the lake. Trees and grass hug the shoreline, so there isn’t a beach—rather, there are cement steps down to the water, which starts at a depth of about three feet. However, there are some spaces between trees to access the water.

Fish Lake & Columbia Plateau Trail State Park (Cheney): Walk the paved trail and enjoy the calm lake, popular with locals for fishing, paddling, and beach play for kids. Park at Fish Lake Park and then walk up to the state park trailhead.

Liberty Lake Regional Park (Liberty Lake): The park has miles of trails to choose from and the day-use beach—though a smaller lakefront compared to other parks—has great sand, a dock and roped-off swim area, and plenty of lake for paddling. Spokane County Parks daily fee required.

Waterfront Park (Medical Lake): A popular park with a main parking lot that fills quickly, but the layout is sweet and lake water is spring-fed, so relatively warmer than larger lakes. Walk the paved Medical Lake Trail along the west shore.

This story was published in the Inland NW Family Outdoors Guide in the May-June 2021 issue.

For more swimming stories, visit the OTO archives.

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City Beach at Lake Pend Oreille – Sandpoint, Idaho

Conveniently located in the heart of town off Bridge Street, this white sand mecca has everything you need: a large, supervised swimming beach that includes a floating swim dock; restrooms; children’s playground; large grassy area; picnic tables and barbeque grills; bike rack; marina and lots of free parking. During the summer months, the concession stand is open, while the main street of Sandpoint (1st Ave.) and its eateries are only a short walk or bike ride away. 

No dogs are allowed at City Beach; however, if you want to swim with your pooch, Sandpoint’s Dog Beach is located off a section of the bike path adjacent to Long Bridge. You’ll still need to bike or walk the path to the beach since the only parking is at the trailhead in town.

Gateway to Sandpoint City Beach (left) // Photo: Amy McCaffree (left); Sandy City Beach and marina (right) // Photo: Shallan Knowles.

Beaver Bay Beach at Lake Pend Oreille, Farragut State Park – Athol, Idaho

Bring your picnic blanket, tubes, rafts and other water toys. While many beach visitors are campers from the park, day use visitors are just as common. Huge flotillas of families come here to have fun and enjoy the serene bay. There is a downhill hike from the parking area (with restrooms and showers) to the beach.

While no dogs are allowed at Beaver Bay, other parts of the lake shoreline provide pet-friendly access. A hiking trail connects the upper part of the Beaver Bay parking area to a shoreline dotted with pseudo-beach patches. A daily Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee (MVEF) or annual parks pass is required for parking at any Idaho state park. (As of June 2021, Farragut was classified as a premium park, doubling day-use and campsite fees for out-of-state visitors.)

Q’emiln Park along the Spokane River – Post Falls, Idaho

Situated in a small bay on the south bank of the river, Q’emiln Park provides a great, all-in-one, day-trip experience for the whole family. It has a lifeguard-supervised swim area, playground, restrooms, picnic area with barbeque grills and more.

The beach and boat launch only open after Avista closes the Post Falls Dam for the season, which can happen as late as mid-July; the City of Post Falls Parks and Recreation posts the opening day online. A daily parking fee is required. No pets allowed.

Rocky Point at Lake Chatcolet, Heyburn State Park – Plummer, Idaho

Located less than 90 minutes from Spokane’s South Hill, this gem of a beach is south of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes at Chatcolet Bridge. Amenities for the large, crescent-shaped beach and swim area (no lifeguards), include a dock, treed picnic area, restrooms, and a nearby marina store that sells ice cream and other snacks. 

The Hawley’s Landing Campground and park visitor center are located only a short drive away. A daily Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee (MVEF) or annual parks pass is required for parking at any Idaho state park.

Rocky Point Beach, Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Chatcolet Bridge, and Kayaking on Lake Chatcolet. // Photos: Amy McCaffree

Fort Spokane, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area – 21 miles north of Davenport (on Hwy 25)

A playground, restrooms and more await you at this lake, which is part of the Columbia River before it reaches the Grand Coulee Dam. There is no cost for beach access, but there is a boat launch fee. If you want a really secluded experience, paddle or boat to find a primitive beach along the shoreline, which range from sandy to rocky.

Be sure to refer to a detailed map of the lake and surrounding land before choosing your beach. While all the immediate shoreline is public, the amount of beach space changes depending on the lake level, and the land surrounding the shoreline can be private property, reservation land or public land. Because there are no amenities available, bring your own water and/or water purification system and pack out all trash. 

For a list of designated swimming beaches on the lake, visit nps.gov/laro/planyourvisit/swimming.htm or call the Fort Spokane Visitor Center at 509-754-7893. Free entry, but there is a charge for using the boat launch.

Fort Spokane is located at the confluence of the Spokane and Columbia Rivers (left). // Photo: Amy McCaffree; Swim, float, and paddle on Lake Roosevelt (right). // Photo: Shallan Knowles.

For more swimming and paddling stories, visit the OTO archives.

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