It is that time of year, and the south shore of Eagle Lake is quite popular these days since the only campgrounds open on the Lassen National Forest are located there.
In June 1916, Robert M. Cook of the Lassen Weekly Mail thought something should be done for the safety of bathers there. Cook wrote: “If the present warm weather continues it will only be a short time until the bathing season commences at Eagle Lake and we wish to call attention to certain conditions there that should be improved. Life lines, light rafts and bare bottom boats should be provided so that assistance can go quickly to the aid of the bather who gets into difficulty. The lack of those things means the loss of life sooner or later. While bathing at Eagle Lake is safer than at the average beach there is always danger that swimmers will be seized by cramps and a very few minutes while onlookers are confused and seeking means of assistance no loss of life.” While it was a admirable gesture no one heeded Cook’s advice.