March 23, 2021 was a sunny day in Lewis County. 18 year-old Zack Hines jumped from a trestle into the Chehalis River for fun, something he had done many times and others often do in the area during warm summer months. Due to COLD WATER SHOCK associated with this time of year he was unable to swim to shore, he is presumed drowned.

Zack was a smart, caring, and extremely athletic young man. He loved God, his family, his friends, and the gym. Our family, like many others, have lost him far too soon, due to the unassuming cold waters in our beautiful state.

Washington's unintentional drowning rates are higher than the national rate. I am asking for change. I am asking for educational signage to be posted near large, cold-water rivers in specific areas that become popular swimming and recreational areas in our state which would discourage entering the water before summer.

This signage is largely a one-time cost to each county that could save lives and the heartbreak families endure. The signage could save county resources each year by reducing costs associated with the average 100 search and rescues each year.

This signage should be different than any others previously forbidding jumping or swimming. It should include education. It should indicate the average temperature of our rivers in the fall, winter, and spring (6°C) and how many seconds it takes for cold-water shock to set it (30 seconds- 2 mins). Young men between 17-24 account for 70% of open water drownings in our state. We must post signage that grabs their attention and encourages them to think twice.