From County Health Dept: Protect Your Health at Lakes and Beaches
As the weather warms up, we want you to stay safe and healthy while enjoying our beautiful lakes and beaches. Whatcom County Health and Community Services’ Living Environment and Food Safety programs remind you to check for swimming beach closures or shellfish harvest advisories before you go.
Swim Safely
May 18-24 is Healthy and Safe Swimming Week! High levels of harmful bacteria, like E. coli, can ‘hitch a ride’ with stormwater runoff, and make their way to our local saltwater swimming beaches. Swallowing or touching contaminated water can make people and pets very sick. Stay safe by protecting yourself from waterborne illnesses.
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds before eating, especially if you have been playing in or touching sand. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid unusually cloudy water. Cloudy water can be a warning that there are more germs in the water than normal.
- Stay out if you see pipes. Pipes draining into or around the water could be putting germs or harmful chemicals into the water, especially after heavy rainfalls.
- Look for swim warnings or closures. Check for signs near the water, and if you see advisory signs posted at the beach, be sure to follow them. You can check the WA BEACH program interactive map for alerts before you head out. WCHCS and local partners monitor water quality at several public saltwater beaches in Whatcom County from early June through August, including Marine Park, Taylor Beach, Little Squalicum Park in Bellingham, Birch Bay County Park, and Larrabee State Park.
Know Before You Dig
Sometimes, naturally occurring marine biotoxins like Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) are found in local shellfish. Check the Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety website for the most up-to-date information about shellfish harvesting. Please remember that cooking does not destroy biotoxins, and it’s never safe to eat shellfish harvested in areas that are closed due to biotoxins. Shellfish sold in restaurants or stores are safe to eat because they are tested before they are sent to markets. Also, keep an eye out for posted signs at the beach.
When in doubt, stay out!
Algae can grow excessively, creating what is known as a "bloom," in both freshwater and saltwater environments. These blooms can sometimes produce toxins that are harmful to humans and pets. You and your pets should avoid swimming in areas where you can see an algae bloom. Visit our Harmful Algae Bloom page for more information.
Report suspected waterborne illness
If you think you might be sick from a waterborne illness or have concerns about a specific beach location, please contact us. You can report a suspected waterborne illness through our online complaint form.
Learn more
Check out our Recreational Water Quality page for more information and safety tips while having fun on the water. Enjoy the warmer weather!