Three of Seattle’s most popular swimming beaches – located in Seward Park, Magnuson Park and East Green Lake Park – will remain closed this summer because of a lack of lifeguards, according to Seattle Parks and Recreation Department spokesperson Rachel Schulkin.
Lifeguards have been an issue for all pools and beaches in the area, especially since the COVID pandemic put many out of commission and cities have found it difficult to recruit enough to cover all swimming spots. Last year Seattle also closed three of its nine swimming beaches due to staff shortages.
The parks department has increased starting wages for lifeguards to $19.51 an hour an enticement for new lifeguards.
Schulkin, communications manager of the parks department, encourages anyone interested in becoming a lifeguard to consider applying at the department. Parks officials say they need more than 400 lifeguards to cover beaches and indoor and outdoor pools.
Which beaches will be open for summer 2023?
Below is the full list of beaches and the hours of operation with a lifeguard:
Pre-season beach openings
Beginning on Memorial Day (Monday, May 29) the following will be guarded daily from 2 -7 P.M. on weekdays, and 11– p.m.. on weekends.
- Madrona Beach, 853 Lake Washington Blvd.
- West Green Lake Beach, 7312 W Green Lake Dr.
Summer season beach openings:
Beginning Saturday, June 24, the following beaches will be guarded daily from 12 -7 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. -7 p.m.. on weekends.
- Madison Beach, 1900 43rd Ave. E
- Matthews Beach, 510 NE 93rd. St.
- Mt. Baker Beach, 2301 Lake Washington Blvd. S
- Pritchard Beach, 8400 55th Ave. S
- West Green Lake Beach, 7312 W Green Lake Dr.
- Madrona Beach, 853 Lake Washington Blvd.
CLOSED beaches
- Magnuson Park Beach
- Seward Park Beach
- East Green Lake Beach
Swimming at unguarded beaches
People are allowed to swim at unguarded beaches in Seattle but do so at their own risk, Schulkin said. The parks department advises against it and stresses that anyone swimming at an unguarded beach should wear a life jacket. Life jackets should always be worn during the use of kayaks, paddle boards and other watercraft.
