Bellingham Parks and Recreation announced this weekend that lifeguards will return to Bloedel Donovan Park beginning Monday, June 29. Staff will be stationed at the swim area from 1 to 6 p.m. daily, with hours dependent on weather conditions. The season runs through August 30.
Bloedel Donovan Park, situated on the southwest shore of Lake Whatcom, is Bellingham's most popular public swimming destination. The park features a sandy beach, swim docks, picnic areas, a boat launch, and off-leash dog areas, making it a hub for warm-weather recreation across the entire Whatcom County region.
The return of lifeguards this season is welcome news after staffing shortages caused disruptions in previous years. In 2024, the city was unable to provide lifeguard coverage for the entire summer due to a shortage of experienced senior lifeguards, which drew community concern given the volume of swimmers the park attracts during the warmer months. The Bellingham Bay Rotary and private donors helped fund the return of swim docks and lifeguard positions in recent seasons, restoring a level of supervision that had been absent for nearly two decades at various points.
Lifeguard hours of 1 to 6 p.m. align with the warmest and highest-use part of the day at the beach. Mornings and evenings outside those hours remain swim-at-your-own-risk. The city notes that hours are weather dependent, meaning coverage may be reduced or suspended on cold or overcast days when swim activity is minimal.
With the holiday week approaching and the Fourth of July on Saturday, Bloedel Donovan is expected to see some of its highest attendance of the year. Parking at the park fills quickly on sunny summer days, and the city recommends arriving early or using the nearby neighborhood streets with awareness of residential parking rules. The City of Bellingham's parks page maintains up-to-date information on amenities and any temporary closures.
Lake Whatcom itself requires a boat inspection permit for any watercraft entering the lake, due to the lake's status as a primary drinking water source for Bellingham. Kayaks, paddleboards, and other human-powered craft are included in the inspection program. More information on the Boat Inspection Program is available through the city's utilities department.
Families planning a visit should note that Bloedel Donovan also offers boat and SUP rentals through Bloedel Boat Rentals through the summer season. The picnic shelters can be reserved through the city's parks reservation system, and the off-leash dog area is located on the east side of the park away from the swim beach.
The lifeguard season at Bloedel Donovan runs through August 30, after which the park remains open for self-supervised swimming and recreation through the fall. Residents who want to stay updated on any changes to hours or conditions can follow the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Facebook page for real-time announcements.
