SEATTLE — First responders warned people of cold water dangers on the hottest day of the year so far.
A heat advisory was in effect for Seattle south through Tacoma, Olympia and along I-5 heading south into Chehalis and into parts of the southwest interior.
The advisory ended at 8 p.m.
>> Get the PinPoint 7-Day Forecast
Highs were in the 90s for Seattle, 80s in Tacoma and the north sound and 70s at the coast. As of 4 p.m. both Olympia and Chehalis were at 97°.
The hot weather meant lots of headed heading to lakes, rivers and the Puget Sound.
>> Rescue crews stress water safety as temperatures heat up
The Seattle Fire Department, which has already done eight water rescues in July so far, is warning people to wear life jackets. First responders are also reminding people that water temperatures in the Puget Sound are 52 to 56 degrees, and river temperatures are even colder, with fast moving waters that can sweep people away.
The cold water temperatures can also cause people to be unable to move their muscles and get back to shore.
Adding to the danger is that due to COVID-19 budget cuts, King County said there are no lifeguards at most beaches.