Whatcom Co. nixes bacteria advisory for Boulevard Park; alerts for two other sites still in effect
A new beach has been cleared of the no-contact advisory in Whatcom County, and is safe for swimming.
The Whatcom County Health Department on Friday, June 21 announced that testing at the southern end of Boulevard Park, near Taylor Dock, has shown low levels of fecal bacteria. The health risk to the public has been reduced, and it is safe to be in and around the water.
Whatcom County Health and Community Services issued the advisory May 31 notifying the public to ‘Swim at your own risk,’ as measured bacteria levels in the water exceeded health standards and could cause illness.
The outfall near Bennett Avenue still has high levels of fecal bacteria and is unsafe. People are advised to avoid the beach area near the outfall.
The no-contact advisory at Little Squalicum beach remains 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.
