Clark County Public Health is reminding residents to exercise caution in local lakes and rivers as Memorial Day weekend approaches. The department issued a warning on May 21, 2026, noting that despite warmer air temperatures, water in Southwest Washington remains cold enough to cause sudden physiological reactions in swimmers. Cold water exposure can trigger rapid increases in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, potentially leading to uncontrolled breathing and other risks. The warning comes as the unofficial start of summer approaches with Memorial Day weekend. Public Health emphasized that even strong swimmers can be affected by the cold water shock, which occurs when the body is suddenly exposed to cold temperatures. The department did not specify exact water temperatures but noted that rivers and lakes in the region remain cold throughout early summer months.
Public Health Warns of Cold Water Risks
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📄 Source: Local Government — https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/news
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- ✓Clark County Public Health is reminding residents to exercise caution in local lakes and rivers“This Memorial Day weekend, Clark County Public Health is reminding people to take caution in and around local lakes and rivers.”
- ✓Clark County Public Health issued a warning on May 21, 2026“Public Health offers tips for staying safe in local waters this summerThursday, May 21, 2026 - 11:04 AM This Memorial Day weekend, Clark County Public Health is reminding people to take caution in and around local lakes and rivers. This weekend may mark the unofficial start of summer, but lakes and rivers in Southwest Washington are still cold, and water may be moving quickly.”
- ✓Clark County Public Health noted that despite warmer air temperatures, water in Southwest Washington remains cold enough to cause sudden physiological reactions in swimmers“Even as temperatures outside get warmer, local lakes and rivers are still cold enough to shock even the strongest swimmers. When a swimmer’s body hits the cold water, it can trigger a sudden, rapid increase in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. The uncontrolled breathing can cause people… Read More Public Health offers tips for staying safe in local waters this summerThursday, May 21, 2026 - 11:04 AM This Memorial Day weekend, Clark County Public Health is reminding people to take caution in and around local lakes and rivers. This weekend may mark the unofficial start of summer, but lakes and rivers in Southwest Washington are still cold, and water may be moving quickly.”
- ✓Cold water exposure can trigger rapid increases in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure“When a swimmer’s body hits the cold water, it can trigger a sudden, rapid increase in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.”
- ⚠Cold water exposure can potentially lead to uncontrolled breathing and other risksNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
- ⚠The warning comes as the unofficial start of summer approaches with Memorial Day weekendNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
- ⚠Public Health emphasized that even strong swimmers can be affected by the cold water shockNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
- ⚠Cold water shock occurs when the body is suddenly exposed to cold temperaturesNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
- ⚠The department did not specify exact water temperaturesNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
- ⚠The department noted that rivers and lakes in the region remain cold throughout early summer monthsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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