Lifeguards Return to Mercer Island Beaches

Starting in June, summer lifeguards are now on duty at some local beaches, according to Mercer Island Parks and Recreation.

Lifeguards started this year on Saturday, June 15 and will guard the beach through Monday, September 2. For the first time in five years, lifeguards will return to duty at Groveland Beach from 12 to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Luther Burbank Beach will be watched from 12 to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

Clarke Beach Park and Calkins Landing (Luther Burbank Park) swimming areas are also open, but are not guarded due to city budget cuts in recent years.

Water-quality testing will be conducted by King County to be sure swimmers are able to safely use the beach. As of June 28, no significant levels of pollutants at the beach were found, and water temperatures hovered in the cool mid-60s. Click here for an online chart of water conditions at Luther Burbank Beach.

According to the parks department, amenities near the beach include:

• Swimming
  
• Picnicing
• Barbeque area
• Playground area for children
• Restrooms (available during summer season only)
• Sorry, there is no bus parking at either the North or South Luther Burbank parking lots.
• Large groups can visit but must register with the parks department by downloading and completing the group usage form.

The Luther Burbank Park is located at 2040 84th Avenue SE, and Groveland Park Beach is located at SE 58th St & 80th Ave SE.

Here are some helpful safety tips for enjoying a swim in the summer weather:

Supervision – Never leave children unattended in or near water, not even for a few seconds. Children can drown in a few inches of water within seconds. Children - teens and adults - should only swim where there is a lifeguard or a responsible adult present. Ensure the adult knows how to swim and how to call for help. Keep a phone and rescue equipment close by and avoid distractions.

Floatation devices – Floatation devices are not substitutes for supervision, even if a child can swim.

Young children and inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on floatation devices alone.

Buddy up – In the pool or the ocean, always swim with a buddy.  Everyone should “buddy up,” even if an experienced swimmer. At the beach, swim in view of the lifeguard at all times. 

Avoid alcohol – Never mix alcohol with any water activities. It is a dangerous combination.

Be vigilant – In outside bodies of water, pay attention to the weather and the tides. Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip tides often exist near these structures. If by the pool and a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing deaths or disability. Whether at the beach or a pool, do not dive in head first, protect your neck. Check for depth and obstructions before diving.

Learn to swim – Ensure that everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in an age-appropriate program. The Y offers a wide variety of progressive swim programs.