Swimming Beach Rules

<h3>Beaches</h3> Municipal code regulates swimming along shorelines in Seattle. There are two sections of the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) that address this activity. <a href="https://www.municode.com/library/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?searchRequest=%7B%22searchText%22:%2216.28.010%22,%22pageNum%22:1,%22resultsPerPage%22:25,%22booleanSearch%22:false,%22stemming%22:true,%22fuzzy%22:false,%22synonym%22:false,%22contentTypes%22:[%22CODES%22],%22productIds%22:[]%7D&nodeId=TIT16HACO_CH16.28WASP_16.28.010SW" target="_blank">SMC 16.28.010</a> indicates that swimming is prohibited except: <ol> <li>in designated swimming areas</li> <li>within 50 feet from shore, unless the swimmer is accompanied by a boat that is designed for both swimmer and boater, is within 25 feet of the swimmer and have lifejackets for all persons on the water</li> </ol> <a href="https://www.municode.com/library/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT18PARE_CH18.12PACO_SUBCHAPTER_VIWAVE_18.12.180OPLAWADEARON" target="_blank">SMC 18.12.180</a> states that watercraft cannot operate within 75 feet of a swimming beach, and powered watercraft cannot operate within 300 feet of a swimming beach. To maintain a clearly defined swimming beach, lifeguards discourage swimming immediately outside the lifeguarded area. In the interest of public safety, there is need to maintain a defined perimeter buffer of 75 feet from the swimming area on Green Lake and 150 feet from the swimming areas on Lake Washington. These perimeters are established in <a href="https://www.municode.com/library/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT18PARE_CH18.12PACO_SUBCHAPTER_IGEPR_18.12.040SUAUULNF" target="_blank">SMC 18.12.040</a> under the Superintendent's rulemaking authority. Swimming within 50 feet of shore is consistent with the law. Wading or swimming at a distance away from the swimming beach would not have an impact on the operation of the lifeguarded area. The lifeguarded swimming beaches offer maintained bottom conditions, are free of aquatic weeds, and do not have boat traffic, all of which are possible concerns in other parts of the parks. Lifeguards do not want to push open water swimmers out into boating traffic; they will allow swimmers to pass through the beach area if necessary, but will talk with them about the boundaries of the lifeguarded swimming beach and remind them about the 50 feet from shore rule (SMC 16.28.010), which is near the shallow water piling line at most beaches.             Seattle Parks and Recreation's beaches are here for you to enjoy. Please follow these rules that help everyone stay safe and healthy. <ul> <li>Children younger than 10 must have a responsible adult supervising them at all times.</li> <li>We require bathing suits, and babies must wear tight plastic pants or diapers designed for swimming.</li> <li>Please don't bring food, drinks, or glass containers to the beach.</li> <li>If you have a contagious disease, please stay home from the beach.</li> <li>Dogs aren't allowed on beaches (<a href="https://www.municode.com/library/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT18PARE_CH18.12PACO_SUBCHAPTER_IIIAN_18.12.080ANRULAPR" target="_blank">SMC 18.12.080</a>).</li> <li>Please, no bikes on the beach.</li> <li>No running or water fights are allowed.</li> <li>Alcohol isn't allowed in Seattle parks (<a href="https://www.municode.com/library/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT18PARE_CH18.12PACO_SUBCHAPTER_VIIUSRE_18.12.257UNPOLIPUPA" target="_blank">SMC 18.12.257</a>).</li> <li>Please swim only in the area supervised by the lifeguards.</li> <li>Novice and non-swimmers must stay inside the ropes.</li> <li>Every child must pass a lifeguard-administered swim test before going outside the ropes.</li> <li>Please keep face masks, fins, snorkels, and floating toys inside the ropes.</li> <li>Please shower and towel dry right after swimming to help prevent <a href="/#SwimmersItch">swimmer's itch</a>.</li> </ul> If you have questions, please ask a lifeguard--they're here to help! <h3>Swimming Safety and Tips</h3> Insist on Adult Supervision <ul> <li>Swim in areas where there are lifeguards when possible.</li> <li>Constantly watch your children in or near the water.</li> <li>Keep young children within arm's reach.</li> <li>Assign adults to watch children at social events.</li> <li>Never drink or allow the use of alcohol or other drugs during water and boating activities or while supervising children.</li> </ul> Learn to Swim <ul> <li>If you don't know how to swim well, find someone to teach you.</li> <li>Learn to tread water for at least 10 minutes.</li> <li>Make sure your children learn to swim. Upgrade their swimming skills each year. Check about lessons at your local pool or lifeguarded beach.</li> </ul> Know the Water <ul> <li>Make sure the water is safe for diving. When in doubt, don't dive or jump.</li> <li>Check for hidden objects, currents and water plants.</li> <li>Be aware that cold water can kill, even on hot summer days. Stay close to shore and rest if you are cold or tired.</li> </ul> Wear a Life Vest <ul> <li>Always wear a life vest when you are on a boat, inner tube or raft, even if you can swim. Children also need life vests on docks and when they are near the water.</li> <li>Wear a life vest if you are swimming in lakes and rivers. It's easy to misjudge the water and your swimming skills. Trouble can happen quickly.</li> <li>Life vests allow you to swim and cool off. They allow a full range of motion to do all your strokes (except swimming under water).</li> <li>Make sure your life vest is U.S. Coast Guard approved.</li> </ul> Know what to do in an Emergency <ul> <li>Learn child and adult CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).</li> <li>Bring a cell phone with you or know where to find the nearest phone.</li> <li>Dial 911 in an emergency.</li> </ul> <h3><a name="SwimmersItch"></a>Swimmer's Itch</h3> Swimmer's Itch is caused by a tiny parasite, found in waterfowl and snails. If water is allowed to dry on the skin, the tiny parasite penetrates the skin and dies shortly thereafter. It can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Although irritating, Swimmer's Itch is not dangerous and cannot be transmitted from one person to another. Small red spots may appear and begin to itch. The rash usually lasts about five days. Contact your physician for medications to reduce itching. Prevent Swimmers' Itch <ul> <li>Tests have shown that liberally applied waterproof sunscreen before swimming may reduce the risk of Swimmers' Itch.</li> <li> Towel off or shower IMMEDIATELY after leaving the water (including the area under your swim suit)</li> <li> Swim away from shore. Most parasites are found in shallow water. Swimming, rather than wading reduces the risk of contacting the Swimmers' Itch.</li> <li>Do not feed geese or ducks. Human food is not good for waterfowl. Parasites from waterfowl cause Swimmers' Itch.</li> </ul>