Visitors to Bay View State Park are being urged to stay out of the water after state officials detected high levels of bacteria near the day-use area, prompting a health advisory issued July 18.
Signs posted at the park warn swimmers to avoid contact with the water and advise that those who enter do so at their own risk.
Check the status of beaches for information about current closures and swimming advisories.
The closure follows routine water quality testing through the Washington Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication & Health (BEACH) program. The program is a joint effort between the Department of Ecology and Department of Health who work with county and local agencies and volunteers to monitor the safety of saltwater swimming beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day. High bacteria levels often stem from stormwater runoff, failing septic systems, or agricultural pollution.
In addition, the Washington Department of Health cautions that clams, oysters, and mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time. Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons are closed for harvest year-round.
For updated conditions, the public can visit ecology.wa.gov/beach or call 360-480-4868.
