Seattle’s Department of Parks is gearing up for sun and beach whether. However, not all beaches will be open. Currently, there is a shortage of experienced senior lifeguards and the leaders at Parks and Rec are about safety first. Three beaches will be closed this summer due to the lifeguard shortage. This year is better than last year with the number of lifeguards. However, the three beaches to be closed this summer are Magnuson Park Beach, Seward Park Beach and East Green Lake Beach.
There was a lifeguard shortage last year as well. Last summer 165 lifeguards checked in to serve on staff. Parks officials said they needed 425 to properly staff indoor and outdoor pools along with the beaches. The Parks department increased the starting wages for lifeguards to $19.51 an hour.
Not all is doom and gloom. Parks and Rec will open Madrona and West Green Lake Beach on Memorial Day. Other beaches will be opening on June 24. Below is the full list of beaches and the hours of operation with a lifeguard:
Pre-Season Beaches: Beginning on Memorial Day (Monday, May 29) the following two beaches will be guarded daily from 2 P.M.-7 P.M. on weekdays, and 11 A.M. – 7 P.M. on weekends.
– Madrona Beach, 853 Lake Washington Blvd.
– West Green Lake Beach, 7312 W Green Lake Dr.
Summer Season Beaches: Beginning Saturday, June 24, the following beaches will be guarded daily from 12 P.M. – 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.
The following beaches will remain CLOSED this summer:
– Magnuson Park Beach
– Seward Park Beach
– East Green Lake Beach
There is news for those that frequent Alki Beach and Golden Gardens. Both will close an hour earlier this summer, according to the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department. The parks will be open from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. starting May 26 through Sept. 3. The parks will return to their normal closing time of 11:30 p.m. on Sept. 4.
This is the second time Parks and Recreation has introduced shortened hours at the two locations. Parks and Recreation is hoping the shortened hours will decrease “dangerous and illegal” behavior that has plagued the two parks. A number of complaints from nearby neighbors to the city exposed the activities that prevented a relaxed and safe environment. Recently, a man was shot and killed near Alki Beach.
