Health & Fitness
First Responders Called To Lake Tapps Water Rescue
One person has died after a water rescue at North Lake Tapps Park.
BONNEY LAKE, WA — One person has died following a water rescue at Lake Tapps Friday afternoon.
Just before 3:30 p.m., the Pierce County Sheriff's Department reported that their Marine Services Unit and the Pierce County Metro Dive Team had been called out to a possible drowning at North Lake Tapps Park.
About 15 minutes after the call went out, rescuers found and pulled the swimmer from the water. He was then rushed to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately passed away some time afterwards.
Find out what's happening in Bonney Lake-Sumnerfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
UPDATE 8:00pm: Sadly, the 29-year-old male victim has died. Please remember that although the weather is heating up, our waterways are still very cold. Wear your life jacket and swim with a buddy.
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) June 19, 2021
Investigators say this incident is an important reminder that, at this time of year, the water is much colder and much more dangerous than it appears.
Cold water is one of the leading causes of drowning in Washington state. Cold water is defined as anything below 70 degrees, and anything below 60 degrees should be approached with caution. Washington State Parks says it's important to remember, despite the warm air temperature, Puget Sound and other Washington waterways can remain frigid all year long, and can easily cause cold-water shock and hypothermia in unprepared swimmers.
Find out what's happening in Bonney Lake-Sumnerfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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