Lake Tye receives safety addition

Snohomish County Fire District 7 announced a new feature has been installed at Lake Tye that is expected to increase swimmer safety.

A buoy now stretches across the manmade lake marking a big drop off, after which depths can reach up to 30 feet, according to an agency news release. Up until that point the terrain slowly slopes downward.

The fire district worked with the City of Monroe to grow awareness of the shelf.

“In the past there has not been a designated swimming area established to signal swimmers to stay within their abilities closer to the shoreline where there is a more gradual slope,” said Fire District 7 public information officer Heather Chadwick in the release. “Furthermore, having a buoy line as a reference point helps aid in rescue efforts.”

The swimming area is not monitored by a lifeguard, so people use the facility at their own risk. There is a kiosk at the beach that provides information on safe use of the water.

The public can borrow lifejackets for free from the fire district through its loaner program. The equipment can be picked up at a station at 163 Village Court in Monroe and the Lake Tye Park concessions stand.

“We value opportunities to partner with Snohomish County Fire District 7,” said Mayor Geoffrey Thomas in the release. “Our community benefits from a coordinated approach to promote and improve water safety in Monroe.”