WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Last winter’s historic floods have left behind new hazards as temperatures continue to climb.

The Seattle Times reports that the rising river waters moved a lot of heavy debris downstream, which may have altered river depths in popular recreational spots.

Those changes could lead to an increased risk of drowning, regardless of a person’s ability or knowledge of open waters.

In the past five years, there have been at least three open-water drownings in Whatcom County: one on Lake Whatcom and two on the Nooksack River.

Washington state health officials are urging people to wear life jackets when swimming in rivers and lakes, and to stay out of the water if it doesn’t look safe. They’re also encouraging swimmers to patronize swimming pools or bodies of water where lifeguards are present.

My Bellingham Now has previously reported on other hazards that come with swimming in our region, from cold temps to bacteria and algal blooms.