Latest News, News With summer in full swing, many residents will visit Klineline Pond at Salmon Creek Regional Park to beat the heat. However, Clark County will not have lifeguards on duty at Klineline Pond this summer due to a nationwide lifeguard shortage that also is impacting Clark County.
“We’ve been unable to replace most of the staff we’ve lost from the last few seasons,” program coordinator Eric Christensen said. “Turnover and attrition have put us in a position where we are unable to provide the staff needed to safely provide water surveillance and rescue services.”
Without lifeguards at Klineline, park users are urged to follow basic water safety at all times. Parents should be particularly vigilant about watching children near the water since drownings can happen swiftly and silently. Additionally, Clark County Code prohibits adults from leaving children unaccompanied in or near a lake, pond or other waterway.
While lifeguards will not be present, park users will still be able to borrow a life jacket from the loaner station at Klineline Pond. Life jackets can prevent tragedies. A properly fitted life jacket should be snug, but comfortable. When lifting the shoulders of the jacket, the child’s chin and ears should not slip through.
More information on summer swimming and water safety is available on the county’s website at clark.wa.gov/public-works/swimming.
