Published June 24 2026
As swim season begins, the City of Bellevue is hosting its first Open Water Safety Day Saturday, June 27, noon-3 p.m., at Meydenbauer Bay Park. The free, family-friendly event will focus on drowning prevention, life jacket use, boating safety and emergency preparedness.
Bellevue's Parks & Community Services Department, Fire Department and Police Department are participating in the event alongside the King County Sheriff's Office Marine Rescue Dive Unit, Mercer Island Police Department Marine Patrol Unit and community partners Best Kayak, SKWIM International and SPLASHForward.
While summer temperatures are rising, water in local lakes can remain surprisingly cold. Cold-water shock can affect anyone, including strong and experienced swimmers, and can quickly impair breathing, swimming ability and decision-making. Two people have drowned in Lake Sammamish this month and a swimmer in Lake Washington went missing Saturday and has not been found.
At Bellevue’s first Open Water Safety Day, community members will have the opportunity to meet first responders, explore rescue equipment, participate in hands-on activities and learn practical skills for staying safe around lakes, beaches and waterways this summer. Bellevue has six parks with beaches on Lake Washington. on Lake Washington.
Featured activities include:
- Water rescue and marine safety demonstrations
- Life jacket fittings
- Boating and open-water safety education
- Cold-water safety information
- Interactive impairment activities
- Rescue equipment displays
- Family-friendly water safety activities
Best Kayak will offer demonstrations using adaptive paddling equipment, helping make water recreation more accessible for people of all abilities. Parking at Meydenbauer Bay Park is limited.
The City of Bellevue, in partnership with No More Under, provides free, loaner life jackets through Labor Day at stations at SE 40th Street Boat Launch, Meydenbauer Bay Park and Newcastle, Enatai, Chism and Clyde beach parks.