On July 26, 2021, Public Health Seattle and King County Heath lifted the closure at Richey Viewpoint. Sampling revealed that bacteria levels are now safe for water contact.
Contact with fecal-contaminated waters can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children and the elderly may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses. We recommend showering after swimming and washing hands before eating if you’ve been in contact with the water or sand.
Stay updated on water quality at local beaches by checking the BEACH program swimming map, following our Fecal Matters blog posts, connecting on Facebook, or joining our listserv.
Local Health Departments monitor, post signs, and issue swimming advisories and beach closures. The BEACH Program supports them by updating the public on current advisories and closures.
For more information
Laura Hermanson, our BEACH program manager, is available at 360-480-4868 or laura.hermanson@ecy.wa.gov for questions. For media inquiries contact Jimmy Norris in communications at 360-480-5722.