There will be no lifeguards on duty this summer at Bellingham’s Bloedel Donovan Park. Here’s why
No lifeguards will be available this summer to monitor conditions at Bellingham’s most popular swimming hole, city officials said Monday afternoon.
Bloedel Donovan Park won’t have waterfront supervision this season, Parks and Recreation department Director Nicole Oliver said in a statement.
“Despite our many efforts, we don’t have enough senior experienced lifeguards to provide this service at Bloedel Donovan Park this summer,” Oliver said.
“Shortages of lifeguards, especially those with adequate experience and credentials for open-water swimming, are causing swim beach and pool limitations and closures across the country,” she said.
Lifeguards have been on duty for the past three summers at Bloedel Donovan Park, where a swim dock opened in 2021.
“Minors should always be supervised by an adult while swimming in the lake. Personal flotation devices are encouraged for all swimmers and boaters,” Oliver said.
Signs are being added so that visitors are aware there are no lifeguards. Park ambassadors will be available during peak hours to provide first aid and other assistance, Oliver said.
Oliver urged beach-goers to use extra caution this summer at the park, which is located in the Silver Beach neighborhood on the west shores of Lake Whatcom.
In addition to the lack of lifeguards, traffic congestion is expected to be heavy because of damage that is limiting the Electric Avenue bridge to one lane of traffic and a construction project for a community building at the park.
In the city’s statement, Oliver said she is hoping that water-safety programs this summer at the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center can begin to train a new crop of lifeguards.
“The core mission of our aquatics program is to teach people the life-saving skill of swimming. We will focus this summer on swim lessons, fitness programs and open swim hours at the pool. We look forward to a busy summer at the aquatic center, and we will continue building our lifeguard team in hopes of being back at Bloedel Donovan Park next summer,” Oliver said.
This story was originally published June 24, 2024 at 12:00 AM.
