18-year-old man rescued after nearly drowning in Lake Washington
Jul 16, 2025, 5:35 PM
A man was swimming in Lake Washington near Houghton Beach Park when he nearly drowned. (Photo courtesy of the City of Kirkland)
(Photo courtesy of the City of Kirkland)
An 18-year-old man was hospitalized Tuesday night after nearly drowning in Lake Washington, according to the City of Kirkland.
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Officials said the man was swimming at Houghton Beach Park when he went underwater and did not resurface. He was underwater for approximately 15 to 20 minutes before being rescued.
His condition was not known as of Wednesday afternoon. Authorities have not said what caused him to go under.
“This incident is a sobering reminder of the importance of water safety, especially during the summer months when more people are enjoying the lake,” the City of Kirkland stated in a news release.
Witnesses said the man had been swimming with friends from the north dock to the south dock when he went under.
“Three off-duty City of Kirkland lifeguards were already in the water searching when Kirkland Fire crews arrived,” the release stated. “A Kirkland firefighter located the man at the bottom of the lake, and the water rescue team quickly pulled him to shore.”
Lake Washington swimming safety tips
Authorities encouraged people to keep the following water safety tips in mind:
- Know your limits: Lake Washington may appear calm on the surface, but swimming long distances can be physically demanding. Only swim as far as you’re confident you can return.
- Wear a life jacket: Even strong swimmers can tire or experience muscle cramps. Life jackets save lives, especially in open water.
- Be cautious of cold-water shock: Lake temperatures can remain dangerously cold below the surface, even on hot days. Cold water can impair your ability to swim or breathe properly.
- Never swim alone: Always swim with a buddy and keep an eye on each other.
- Watch for sudden drop-offs: Lake bottoms can be unpredictable, with steep changes in depth.
- Call for help immediately: If someone is in distress, call 911 right away. Trained rescue personnel can respond quickly.
Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.
