Whatcom County rescinds bacteria-related swimming advisories at three popular beaches
Whatcom County Health and Community Services has ended swimming advisories at Larrabee State Park, Wildcat Cove and Birch Bay Beach and tidelands, according to a news release issued Thursday, June 13, by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
A swimming advisory had been in effect for the areas since June 6, after high levels of fecal bacteria were found in the water during routine water sampling.
Advisories at Boulevard Park, near Taylor Dock and Little Squalicum, remain in effect.
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
▪ 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 12, 2024 at 1:00 PM.
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