An official website of the State of Washington

Government building

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Menu
Submenu
Water & Shorelines > Water monitoring & research > Swimming safety

Swimming safety

To protect public health, we monitor the water quality at popular marine beaches around Puget Sound and on the coast from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We work with local partners to collect and test water samples for fecal bacteria contamination. 

If we find high levels of bacteria, local health departments issue water contact advisories or closures at swimming beaches. Please check our beach map linked below for updates on advisories and closures.

Go to beach status map.

Check the status of a beach

Check the status of marine swimming beaches before you get in the water. View our map for water contact advisories or closures.

See the beach status map.

Permanent swimming advisories

The following beaches have long-term or permanent advisories against all water-contact recreation. Avoid touching the water when possible.

  • Island County: Windjammer Park beach (not Windjammer Lagoon)
  • Mason County: Walker County Park
  • Pierce County: Thea Foss Waterway
  • Snohomish County: Edmonds Marina Beach Dog Park
  • Thurston County: Squaxin Park and West Bay Park
  • Whatcom County: Little Squalicum Park

Minimize your risk of illness

  • Do not swim at any public beach if you are sick.
  • Avoid swimming for 24 to 48 hours after a heavy rainfall or anywhere you see discharge pipes.
  • Keep your face and head out of the water or wear nose plugs and goggles when swimming.
  • Don't swallow beach water.
  • Shower after swimming.
  • Wash your hands after playing in the water or sand.

If you get sick

If you fall ill after being in the water, please see a medical provider immediately. Contact us or your local health department to report which beach may have caused your illness.

Help your beach

Be a beach steward and help keep Washington's beaches clean.

  • Pick up after your pets.
  • Make sure toddlers are wearing swim diapers.
  • Give young children frequent bathroom breaks.
  • Pick up your trash.
  • Do not feed wildlife.

Related links

Contact information

Heather Gibbs
BEACH Program Coordinator
heather.gibbs@ecy.wa.gov
360-480-4868

Mugdha Flores (media inquiries)
Communications Manager
mugdha.flores@ecy.wa.gov
360-628-7692

Mail to:
Washington State Department of Ecology
BEACH Program, Environmental Assessment Program
PO Box 47710
Olympia, WA 98504-7710