Whatcom Falls Park rescue a reminder to be cautious seeking relief from summer heat
A rescue of a 20-year-old woman who suffered a leg injury at Whatcom Falls Park on Sunday should serve as a reminder to all Whatcom County residents to be cautious as they seek relief from summer heat at local swimming holes.
The Bellingham Fire Department announced in a Facebook post that it was called Sunday afternoon, July 26, for the report of a possible injury in Whatcom Falls Park.
Crews stabilized one person who had suffered a leg injury, according the post, then used a rope system to help remove her from the water edge.
Sunday’s rescue was far from the first time Bellingham fire crews have been called to the park for an incident, some of which have ended in tragedy.
“Whatcom Falls Park, while beautiful all year long, should be considered a wilderness type area and people should treat the park, creek, and its various natural features with respect,” Captain Dave Pethick told The Bellingham Herald in an email. “Park users are advised to stay on designated trails at Whatcom Falls Park and obey all other posted park regulations. Watch your footing on uneven ground and slippery surfaces. ... We see several slip-and-trip type injuries in the park every year.
“Specific to the creek, people should remember that the water can be both swift and cold. As well, there are many natural dangers like logs and slippery rocks which can lead to falls.”
Whatcom Falls Park is far from the only place in the county where care must be taken.
Whatcom County Fire District 16 advised in a Facebook post last weekend those looking to float the South Fork of the Nooksack River that there is a log jam 2¾ “river miles” downstream from the Acme put-in site. The log jam spans the entire river, the post said.
“Exit the river on the left (west) bank and walk a short distance downstream to get around the jam,” advised a Washington State Department of Natural Resources graphic included with the post. “The jam may not be visible from the exit location.”
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office also posted Wednesday on Facebook about tubing the river, saying “To keep both tubers and property owners safe, deputies will be assigned to proactive patrols in the Acme area. If your summer includes grabbing some inner tubes and heading to the South Fork of the Nooksack, please stay safe, and please respect private property.”
Beyond the cold water and other natural hazards, swimming this summer brings extra coronavirus-related warnings.
Bellingham Parks and Recreation posted to Facebook Monday that swimming areas at Bloedel Donovan, Lake Padden and Boulevard parks “are over capacity,” as large crowds were reported at a number of locations during last weekend’s warm temperatures.
“If you do go to Bloedel, Padden, or Boulevard please do the following: Keep your distance, wear a mask when you aren’t in the water, and leave if it’s too crowded,” Bellingham Parks and Recreation posted to Facebook Monday.
Bellingham officials have been out at swimming beaches, including Lake Padden and Boulevard parks, handing out masks and reminding people to recreate responsibly in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The hope is that the parks department can avoid making a move similar to what the city of Kirkland announced Wednesday with the closing of swimming areas within two of its waterfront parks in an effort to help slow COVID-19 spread, according to a KING-5 story.
“Our mantra since this started was ‘help us keep the parks open.’ And Bellingham has done an amazing job. Our community has done an amazing job of ensuring we can do that,” Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department Director Nicole Oliver told The Bellingham Herald earlier this week.
