After months of awareness efforts by the SwimSafe coalition, it stands to reason the program was a success. Zero water-related deaths were reported at Lake Tapps during the 2013 summer season.

Sponsors of the coalition include: Pierce County, the city of Bonney Lake, East Pierce Fire and Rescue (EPFR), Bonney Lake Police Department (BLPD), Sumner School District, Dieringer School District and Cascade Water Alliance.

The coalition was formed in response to three deaths at the lake in 2012. Agency representatives met regularly to discuss community education. Solutions included an amped-up lifejacket loaner program by EPFR and improved signage around the lake. A group of students from Lake Tapps Middle School designed a memorial for Allan Yorke Park, which serves as a solemn reminder to swim safely. BLPD conducted marine patrols and safety inspections, as well as water safety demonstrations at local elementary schools.

“The Lake Tapps community stepped up to bring hope out of tragedy by creating a multilayer drowning prevention campaign to help swimmers and boaters,” said Fire Chief Jerry Thorson. “Seeing no water related deaths this summer means something is working … but this must be an ongoing campaign for all of us.”

Bonney Lake Officer Todd Green said the program was a huge success and the department is looking forward to continuing the water safety efforts put forth last spring and summer.

“We would like to see our partnership with SwimSwafe continue,” he said. “We want to do whatever we can to keep everybody’s head above water. This was our first year getting into the elementary schools and would love to see the program expand.”

A successful summer at the lake is in the books and as the community falls head first into autumn, the SwimSafe coalition is celebrating its victory and beginning to plan for next year.