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Residents press Federal Way leaders on Steel Lake safety after recent drowning
Summary
Residents urged the council to improve emergency access, camera coverage and signage at Steel Lake Park after a recent drowning. Staff described near-term measures including repainting curbs, adding buoys and refreshing signage and said lifeguard chairs would be removed at season's end.
Several residents used the public-comment period July 21 to press the council for safety improvements at Steel Lake Park following a recent drowning. Janae Lasky urged towing, clearer no-parking markings and camera placement at park entrances to speed rescue and investigative responses.
"We have a continued issue with people still parking in that red zone because there's trees there that shade," Lasky said, explaining that blocked access can hinder emergency vehicles and search-and-rescue boats. She asked the city to consider camera placement at the park entrance and to pursue towing and enforcement that would deter repeat violations.
Parks Director Jason Gerwin said staff repainted curbs, will refresh signage to ensure retroreflective visibility and has purchased buoys and rope for swim-area demarcation. Gerwin told the council staff expects to deploy temporary safety equipment and remove lifeguard chairs at season's end if lifeguard staffing does not return. Chief Wong advised residents and park employees to call 911 for enforcement and recommended towing where appropriate to preserve emergency access.
Council members thanked residents and asked staff to continue working on both temporary and longer-term safety fixes; staff committed to follow up with additional steps and a debrief after the summer season.
