Kirkland Adds 2 Jet Skis To Water Rescue Fleet

KIRKLAND, WA — With summer just getting underway, the Kirkland Fire Department this week unveiled two new additions to its fleet of water rescue crafts, securing two specially-designed jet skis to assist with marine safety calls around Lake Washington.

According to the city, Kirkland has deployed water rescue vessels since 2014 and typically responds to 45 water rescue calls per year, including reported drownings, boating accidents, people in distress and hazardous spills. On top of the 12 miles of shoreline to patrol, the Kirkland Fire Department assists its neighbors with water calls, including in Bellevue, Mercer Island, Seattle, Kenmore and Bothell.

The new jet skis are equipped with underwater lights, searchlights, and sonar and have special floatation tubes to help the vessels carry more weight. According to the city, each jet ski can carry up to three swimmers and one patient. Kirkland has more than five dozen firefighters that are certified rescue swimmers, and nearly all of them are trained to operate the watercraft.

To help prevent the need for water rescues, officials strongly recommend swimmers stick to designated areas at the city's three guarded beaches: Houghton Beach, Waverly Beach and Juanita Beach. Lifeguards are on duty at each beach between noon and 6 p.m., starting July 1.

Learn more about summer aquatics options on the city's website.