Crime & Safety

Officials Issue Reminder that Life Jackets Save Lives on the Water in Spite of Green River Accident

Drew Nielsen, an experienced rafter who was well-equipped for the Green River died Saturday in an accident, but wearing a personal flotation device is still important, says officials.

The King County Sheriff's Office reported Monday that though he was wearing a personal flotation device, a man was killed on the Green River this weekend.

The man, 61-year-old Drew T. Nielsen, died in the Ravensdale area, according to the King County Medical Examiner's office. His cause of death of drowning and manner of death designated as an accident.

The Seattle Times reports that Nielsen was a three-term Everett City Council member who is an experienced whitewater rafter and he had been rafting Saturday when the accident occurred. When the raft flipped, Nielsen's wife was able to escape, but he was not. (Read the story)

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According to the Maple Valley Reporter, Nielsen and his party were wearing helmets, life vests and wet suits. The accident too place in an area of the river called 'the faucet.' No other fatalities occurred. (Read the story)

In spite of the perceived fruitlessness in using a personal floatation device (PFD) in the case of Nielsen's death, officials insist that life jackets should still always be worn when on the water. "Flotation devices are like seatbelts," said a Sheriff's Office press release. "They often help you survive the unexpected, but unfortunately there are no guarantees."

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The Sheriff's Office Marine Unit responded to several incidents this past weekend on the Green River as well as on Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish. β€œMake sure that you and your children are wearing life jackets while enjoying King County waters," said King County Sheriff Steve Strachan.Β 

Additionally, "stay sensible, safe and sober," said the press release.

The Washington State Department of Health issued a similar reminder last week regarding the need to wear life jackets on the water ().


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