Press release:

People enjoying the warm weather last weekend flocked to the water. The large number of people enjoying area lakes and rivers kept the Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit very busy.

The Marine Unit responded to incidents on Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish and the Green River. With more warm weather today and summer around the corner, the Sheriff would like to remind people of the importance of personal floatation devices – life jackets.

A properly fitted life jacket should be warn at all times when in and around our lakes and rivers. In many cases, life jackets save lives.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case on the Green River this weekend where Drew Neilson was killed. Mr. Neilson was properly equipped and his tragic death occurred despite the fact that he was wearing a personal floatation device.

Flotation devices are like seatbelts. They often help you survive the unexpected, but unfortunately there are no guarantees.

King County Sheriff Steve Strachan says, “Make sure that you and your children are wearing life jackets while enjoying King County waters”.

Please enjoy responsible recreation on the water this summer. Stay sensible, safe and sober.