Lifeguards returned to Bloedel Donovan Park on Monday, June 29, the City of Bellingham announced. Staff will be on duty from 1 to 6 PM daily through August 30, though hours remain weather-dependent. The development brings supervised swimming back to one of Bellingham's most popular summer destinations on Lake Whatcom.
Bloedel Donovan Park, located on the north shore of Lake Whatcom at the end of Electric Avenue, has been a community gathering spot for decades. The park features a sandy beach, swim area, boat launch, picnic facilities, a dog off-leash area, and community buildings. For many Bellingham families, it serves as the default summer swimming destination, especially for children.
The return of lifeguards is meaningful because the service has been inconsistent in recent years. In 2024, a staffing shortage led the city to announce that no lifeguards would be on duty at Bloedel Donovan for the entire summer season, a decision that disappointed many residents and raised safety concerns. The city cited a broader shortage of qualified, experienced lifeguards as the cause. The following year, efforts to restore staffing intensified, with community volunteers, private donors, and Bellingham Bay Rotary stepping up to support the swim dock restoration alongside the city's recruitment push.
This summer, that collective effort appears to be paying off. The city confirmed that swim docks were reinstalled with assistance from the Bellingham Bay Rotary, and the return of lifeguard coverage signals that staffing levels are now sufficient to reopen supervised swimming. Parents and caregivers who had been cautious about taking young children to the lake without a lifeguard present will find the swim area staffed again for the first time in several years.
It's worth noting the context: Lake Whatcom is not just a recreation spot. It also serves as Bellingham's primary drinking water reservoir, and the city has long managed the balance between public access and watershed protection. The lake's clarity and health affect water quality for the entire community, which is part of why the city has invested in proper park management and infrastructure around the swim area.
Lifeguard coverage runs 1 to 6 PM daily through August 30. The park does not close at the end of lifeguard shifts, but swimming outside those hours is at your own risk. The swim area is free and open to the public. Boat rentals, including stand-up paddleboards, are available separately through Bloedel Boat Rentals, typically operating May through June before the peak swim season.
Families planning a visit for the Fourth of July weekend should note that parking at Bloedel Donovan can fill quickly on warm days and holidays. The park is accessible via E. Illinois Street, and the city recommends arriving early. For more information on park amenities and any updates to operating hours, check the City of Bellingham Parks page for Bloedel Donovan.
The city has not announced plans beyond August 30 for this season. Whether lifeguard coverage continues beyond summer will depend on staffing levels and conditions in future years. Residents interested in supporting continued lifeguard services at Bloedel Donovan can reach out to Bellingham Parks and Recreation for information on how the program is funded and whether volunteer opportunities are available.
