SEATTLE – Public Health Seattle–King County has issued a warning for swimmers and families after recent water testing revealed elevated bacteria levels at several popular beaches. Health officials are urging residents and visitors to avoid swimming at the affected locations until conditions improve.
Six Beaches Under Advisory
According to county officials, the following beaches are currently unsafe for swimming due to high bacterial contamination:
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Madison Park Beach in Seattle
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Houghton Beach in Kirkland
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Idylwood Beach in Redmond
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Luther Burbank Beach on Mercer Island
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Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park in Renton
In addition to these advisories, Mount Baker Beach in Seattle is completely closed after a sewage spill, which significantly increases health risks.
Why Bacteria Levels Matter
Public Health experts caution that high bacteria levels in lakes and rivers can pose serious health threats. Swimmers who come into contact with contaminated water may experience gastrointestinal illness, skin rashes, ear infections, or other health problems.
Young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable. Even accidental swallowing of contaminated water can lead to illness.
“Swimming in water with elevated bacteria levels increases the risk of getting sick,” officials said in a statement. “We urge the public to avoid these beaches until testing shows it’s safe again.”
Ongoing Monitoring and Testing
King County conducts regular water quality testing at recreational beaches throughout the summer. When bacterial counts exceed federal safety standards, advisories or closures are issued.
Health officials said the impacted beaches will remain under warning until follow-up testing confirms that bacteria levels have returned to acceptable limits. At that point, advisories will be lifted and the public will be notified.
Public Reactions and Safety Concerns
For many families, the warnings come at an inconvenient time. The region is currently experiencing another stretch of hot summer weather, with temperatures again expected to climb above 90 degrees. The closures mean fewer options for those seeking relief from the heat.
“I bring my kids to Madison Park all the time in the summer,” said a Seattle parent. “It’s frustrating, but of course their health and safety come first.”
Others noted that water quality issues have become more common in recent years, highlighting the need for improved monitoring and prevention efforts.
What Residents Can Do
Until the warnings are lifted, public health officials recommend:
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Avoiding direct contact with water at the affected beaches
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Keeping children and pets away from contaminated areas
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Choosing alternate swimming sites with no advisories in place
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Staying updated through Public Health Seattle–King County’s website for the latest beach status reports
Looking Ahead
Officials stressed that these measures are temporary and part of routine safety precautions. Beaches across King County often reopen within days once bacteria levels fall.
For now, health leaders urge patience and caution:
“We know these beaches are important to our community, but we must prioritize public health. As soon as it is safe, we will reopen them.”
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