swimming in the sound?

[lisalynn]

Are there any swimmers at Lincoln Park in the sound? I feel unsafe going alone and would like to join others for swims. Lisa

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[JanS]

try Colman Pool in Lincoln park as opposed to the sound….

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[Kevin]

I would agree with JanS – you have wind and tides to be considered in addition to the water temperature even in summer.

Below is an excerpt from some interesting information regarding Puget Sound waters.

http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/port_studies/puget_sound/text/environmental.htm

“3.5 WATER TEMPERATURES

Water temperatures in Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca vary by

approximately eight to nine degrees Fahrenheit from summer to winter. The water

temperature in the Strait is generally 2°F (1.1°C) cooler than the waters of

central Puget Sound. According to U.S. Department of Commerce (1986), winter

temperatures vary from 46°F (7.8°C) at Seattle and 44°F (6.7°C) at Port Townsend

to 45°F (7.2°C) at Neah Bay. Summer temperatures vary from 56°F (13.3°C) at

Seattle and 54°F (12.2°C) at Port Townsend to 53°F (11.7°C) at Neah Bay.

Because of the relatively cold water temperatures, survivability of personnel

who are immersed in the water by falling overboard or other means, is severely

jeopardized. Hypothermia resulting from immersion, either intentional or

unintentional, is a life-threatening hazard that must be taken seriously.

Non-swimming, average person has a life expectancy of approximately two hours in

calm water with a temperature of 44°F (7°C), and four hours in calm water with a

temperature of 56°F (13°C). The times could be reduced to one and two hours

respectively for “fast coolers”, i.e. persons of low body weight, children,

light clothing, or those who are exercising such as persons without PFDs who

must swim to remain afloat. “

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[Wednesday]

Wouldn’t Alki be better anyway? Sandier beach, less drop off and more people. I haven’t swam in the sound since I was a kid jumping off creosote coated logs..ah the sticky sand and smelly salt water, oh yeah!

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[herongrrrl]

I’ve lived on the Sound my whole life, but have only gone swimming in it very rarely. Even on the hottest days, the water is dangerously cold. Unless you’re wearing neoprene or a splash/dry suit, the best places to swim are the long sandy beaches that warm up in the sun during low tide, and that warms the water as the tide comes back in over it. The west side of Jetty Island in Everett is the best place I know of if you want to go play in warmer water at the beach, although Alki has the same phenomenon with water temperature. The secret is to choose a day with a morning low tide and midday/early afternoon high tide. Late July and August are when that typically happens around here.

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[skeeter]

I’ve gone swimming in the sound. As others have said, it is way too cold to be in for more than a few minutes. Lake Washington is comfortably warm by early/mid July. There are some fantastic swimming beaches on Lake Washington. Give it a try.

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[ellenater]

hey Lisalynn,

There is a great place to swim in the sound over on Vashon. It’s in a bay and is shallower and a lot warmer. I am trying to think of the name of it. I always just drive to it… It’s cold but totally refreshing–definitely not as cold as Lincoln.

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[Pibal]

ellenator,

Would that be Dockton Beach or perhaps Burton Acres Park in Quartermaster Harbor?

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[Sam Day]

I swim at Golden Gardens all year round. I’ve recently found a half dozen other cold water swimmers. We had a great swim last saturday in high wind and whitecaps! A couple of them have swum at Lincoln Park. I’ve taken a short dip or two there, and yes, it’s not as sandy as some other spots. But we’re considering a swim from Lowman Park to the point at Colman Pool, and I’ll be able to report on currents (and kelp) after we try it.

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