Swimming advisories in effect at four Whatcom Co. beaches due to high levels of bacteria
Swimmers are being advised to stay out of the water in two more Whatcom County beach areas due to high bacteria levels.
Whatcom County Health and Community Services issued swimming advisories on June 6 for Birch Bay beach and tidelands as well as Wildcat Cove in Larrabee State Park.
Routine water sampling measured high fecal bacteria levels in the water, which exceeded health standards and could cause illness. The public is being advised to avoid contact with the water and sand in the affected areas until further notice.
This comes about a week after the public was advised to stay out of the water near Taylor Dock at the southern end of Boulevard Park in Bellingham for the same reason. That advisory remained in effect as of June 7.
Water contact advisories are now in place at four Whatcom County beach areas.
Children and those who are immunocompromised may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses. A variety of health impacts can result from contact with fecal-contaminated waters, according to the Washington Department of Ecology, including:
▪ Gastroenteritis. This intestinal infection can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever, according to the Mayo Clinic.
▪ Skin rashes.
▪ Upper respiratory infections.
Swimming tips to minimize risk
▪ Do not swim at a public beach if are sick or have a weakened immune system.
▪ Avoid swimming for 24 hours after heavy rainfall or anywhere you can see discharge pipes.
▪ Keep your face and head out of the water or wear nose plugs and goggles.
▪ Don’t swallow beach water. ▪ Shower after swimming or recreating at a beach.
▪ Wash your hands before eating, especially if you’ve been playing in the sand.
Help keep beach water safe for swimming
▪ Pick up pet waste and trash.
▪ Swim only when well to protect yourself and prevent transmitting illness-causing bacteria to others.
▪ Recreational boaters should only discharge bilge water and sewage-holding tanks in approved disposal facilities.
▪ Anglers should properly dispose of fish entrails in the trash.
▪ Don’t feed wildlife.
If you get sick
If you believe that you are sick from swimming in contaminated waters, see your physician immediately, and contact the Washington Department of Ecology or Whatcom County Health and Community Services to report which beach may have caused your illness.
This story was originally published June 7, 2024 at 2:40 PM.
