Public Health Essentials

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer—and we know you’re ready! Whether you’re heading out for some time on the lake, grilling in the backyard, or hitting up a local festival, now’s a great time to refresh your summer safety smarts. 

Here are 7 quick and easy tips to make sure your summer kicks off safely and to carry you through the season. 

1. Cold Water? Don’t Jump in Too Fast

Even if it’s warm and sunny outside, many Snohomish County lakes and rivers are still in the 50s, especially early in the year. That’s cold enough to trigger cold shock, which can cause involuntary gasping, rapid breathing, and even muscle failure and severe cramping. 

What to do: 

• Enter slowly to let your body adjust.
• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating or paddling.
• Avoid alcohol before water activities —it impairs your judgment and response time.
• Skykomish River users: Life jackets and helmets are required in some sections; check local ordinances before launching.

Lakes to be cautious with: Martha Lake, Flowing Lake and Lake Roesiger can have deep drop-offs and cold water just below the surface. 

2. Swim Safe—Especially with Kids

Drowning is fast and silent, and it remains a leading cause of injury-related death for children Last summer, the county witnessed how quickly things can go wrong in the water when three people died due to drowning. Small steps can help prevent this. 

What to do: 

• Appoint a “Water Watcher”—an adult who stays within arm’s reach of kids and isn’t distracted by phones or chatting.
• Only swim in designated areas with lifeguards when possible.
• Enroll kids in swim lessons—many local pools and YMCAs offer sessions throughout summer.

Need a life jacket? Life jacket loaner stations have been set up at Martha Lake County Park and Lake Ballinger Waterfront Park, providing jackets for children and adults on a first-come first-serve basis. You can also visit the Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue's Life Jacket Program and Closet at Station 31 in Monroe, where you, or your children, can be fitted with a Coast Guard approved jacket that can be used on loan.  

3. Sun Protection is a Daily Must 

We all love a golden glow, but sunburns increase your risk of skin cancer, even here in the Pacific Northwest where clouds can lull you into skipping sunscreen. 

What to do: 

• Regularly use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours (more often if swimming or sweating).
• Wear UPF-rated clothing, wide-brim hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Don’t forget ears, the tops of your feet, and the back of your neck—most-missed spots!

Tip: Set a phone reminder to reapply sunscreen—it’s easy to forget once you’re having fun. 

4. Don’t Let the Heat Sneak Up on You 

Although Western Washington is known for its moderate climate, summer heat can still pack a punch. In 2024, the region saw more than a dozen days above 85°F, and several areas briefly hit triple digits during July’s heatwave. 

What to do: 

• Drink water all day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol.
• Take breaks indoors or in the shade, especially during 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. peak heat hours.
• Watch for heat exhaustion signs: headache, dizziness, nausea, or heavy sweating.

Need relief when it warms up? Libraries, malls, and some community centers act as cooling stations when the weather gets hot. Follow Snohomish County Emergency Management for alerts. 

5. Skip the Sketchy Food Cart 

Unpermitted food vendors might skip important food safety practices like refrigeration, handwashing, or proper dish sanitation. 

What to do: 

• Look for a Snohomish County Health Department permit displayed at the food stand, cart, or truck.
• Avoid food that’s sitting out uncovered or at room temperature.
• Don’t be shy—ask vendors how they keep their food cold or hot. If they can’t answer, walk away.

Why it matters: Every summer, cases of salmonella, E. coli, and norovirus spike due to unsafe food handling—especially at events and festivals. Not sure what you are looking for? See examples of food permits here!

6. Keep Food Fresh and Picnic-Perfect 

Foodborne illnesses thrive in warm temps. One hour on a picnic table in the sun? That pasta salad could be a ticking time bomb! 

What to do: 

• Keep cold foods below 40°F—use ice packs or frozen water bottles.
• Don’t leave perishable items out for more than 1 hour if it’s over 90°F, or 2 hours otherwise.
• Cook meats to a safe temp: 165°F for chicken, 160°F for ground beef. Use a thermometer, not guesswork!
• Bring hand sanitizer if there’s no access to soap and water.

One More Thing: Don’t Forget Your Hygiene Habits! We might not be thinking about germs when we’re elbow-deep in a bag of potato chips, but it’s still smart to wash up often (or keep hand sanitizer nearby). Whether it’s a summer cold or something more serious, good hygiene helps protect your whole community. 

7. Bugs, Bites, and Blooming Things 

From mosquitoes to pollen, nature has a way of crashing your party. 

What to do: 

• Use EPA-registered insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil-of-lemon eucalyptus.
• Wear long pants and sleeves in grassy or wooded areas to avoid ticks and stings.
• Check yourself and pets for ticks after outdoor activities.
• If you have allergies, check daily pollen counts and keep medications handy, especially if you’re hiking or camping.

Pro tip: Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk—plan around them if you can! 

Final Reminders for a Safe, Sunny Start to Summer

• Keep a safety kit in your car (water, sunscreen, bandages, bug spray, snacks).
• Review local burn bans, air quality updates, swimming advisories, and shellfish ‘no harvest’ advisories before you head out.
• Share these tips with friends and family—especially first-time festival goers or new swimmers.

Wishing you a safe, fun, and healthy summer!