Drowning report at Kent’s Lake Meridian turns out to be false alarm

Published 2:07 pm Tuesday, July 24, 2018

A search for a possible drowning victim on Monday evening at Lake Meridian in Kent turned out to be a false alarm.

At 5:42 p.m., city of Kent lifeguards called 911 for possible drowning at the public swim area, according to a Puget Sound Fire media release. A swimmer on the dock said to have seen a male swimmer in the water go under the dock and not come out and notified lifeguards.

Puget Sound Fire units responded, and two rescue swimmers with the aid of the lifeguards began a search down to the depths of 12 feet. The Zone 3 dive team was also dispatched and once they arrived did a detailed search of the lake bottom in and around the dock.

During the thorough search those on the beach were asked if they were missing any male member from their group or family.

It was decided that there was no individual in or around the dock and swim area that needed aid and so the incident was closed.

Puget Sound Fire officials said the lifeguards reacted quickly and efficiently to remove all swimmers from the lake and begin the search for the swimmer. Zone 3 divers from Valley Regional Fire Authority and Renton RFA assisted. Medic One was standing by and ready in case their skills were needed.