EXPLORE THE SHORE: This week brings this year’s lowest low tides to West Seattle beaches

That’s what the beach off Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook was like this morning, shortly after the day’s lowest tide, which was “only” out to -2.0 feet. So imagine how far the water will recede when the year’s lowest tides arrive this week. Here’s what’s ahead:

Monday, June 13 – 10:37 am, -3.2 feet
Tuesday, June 14 – 11:22 am, -4.0 feet
Wednesday, June 15 – 12:09 pm, -4.3 feet
Thursday, June 16 – 12:58 pm, -4.1 feet
Friday, June 17 – 1:48 pm, -3.5 feet
Saturday, June 18 – 2:39 pm, -2.4 feet

After this, your next chance to see the shore at mega-low tide will be in mid-July, when it’ll be out to -4.0 feet on July 13th and 14th. Meantime, Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists will be at Constellation and Lincoln Parks Tuesday through Saturday this week – times vary each day, and are listed here. (And whether or not you go when naturalists are present, their program offers these guidelines for exploring the shore without doing harm.)

Jay June 13, 2022 (8:12 am)

Stay safe out on the water! Don’t paddleboard or kayak without a life jacket. Wear your leash on a paddleboard. And consider dressing for immersion with a wetsuit. There were a few near-emergencies at Alki over the weekend. This is drowning season. You may think you are fine because the air is warm, but the water is still deadly cold.

Tay June 13, 2022 (3:29 pm)

This is a really good reminder. The Puget Sound is amazingly cold.
John June 13, 2022 (10:26 pm)

All good advice! Better yet don’t go out alone and tell people where you’re going, route, and when you intend to be back. I even take flares with me when I go out on my kayak

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