Going to the seashore this summer time? Examine our protected swimming map to plan your journey

The Puget Sound area and Washington coast have many seashores the place you possibly can spend the day enjoyable, exploring and taking part in within the water. As you get able to plan your subsequent seashore journey, examine if a seashore is open for swimming and recreation.

Each summer time, we companion with native well being businesses and volunteers to check the water at in style marine seashores which might be in danger for fecal micro organism contamination. This yr, we’re monitoring 46 marine seashores from May 18 to Sept. 7, 2026.

Testing for fecal (poop) micro organism

We acquire water samples from seashores each week or each two weeks. The samples are examined at a lab for fecal micro organism. Fecal micro organism are present in human and animal poop. Poop can get into the water from completely different sources, together with individuals and toddlers (leaky diapers or a diarrhea incident within the water), pets, birds or different wildlife, sewage spills or septic leaks, and runoff from rivers and streams.

Although fecal micro organism are a pure a part of the surroundings, their presence within the water may imply there are different disease-causing pathogens. High ranges of fecal micro organism could make individuals sick with vomiting, diarrhea, pores and skin rashes, ear infections, and fever. 

Look for indicators posted on the seashore

Beaches stay open if lab outcomes present that micro organism ranges meet well being requirements. However, if a seashore water pattern has excessive ranges of micro organism that don’t meet well being requirements, then that seashore is closed or an advisory is issued to warn individuals to keep away from the water.

Local well being businesses put up yellow warning or pink seashore closure indicators, so search for them earlier than you step within the water. In case of a sewage spill, seashores which might be affected are closed with an indication posted to warn individuals to not swim.

Reduce your threat of sickness

Even when a seashore is open for public swimming, there are steps you possibly can take to be sure you and your loved ones scale back the chance of sickness:

• Do not swallow seashore water.
• Do not swim close to a pipe or stream flowing into the water.
• Shower after swimming or spending time at a seashore.
• Wash your palms earlier than consuming meals.

If you get sick from swimming in contaminated waters, see your doctor and get in touch with us or your county public health department to report which seashore could have brought about your sickness.

Help hold our seashores clear

Join us in maintaining Washington’s seashores clear and poop free. There are easy methods to maintain micro organism out of the water:

• Use bogs and swim diapers — Give kids frequent toilet breaks and put youthful kids in swim diapers.
• Scoop the poop — Pick up your canine’s poop, bag it, and throw it within the trash.
• Don’t feed wildlife — Feeding the birds and different wildlife might be enjoyable, however it encourages them to stay round, in the end bringing extra poop to the seashore.
• Don’t swim sick — Avoid swimming for those who’re not feeling effectively, particularly in case you have diarrhea.
• Pack out trash — Pack your trash in a bag and throw it away within the trash on the seashore or at dwelling.

Track seashore advisories this summer time

Our seashore sampling season is underway till early September 2026. View present swimming advisories or sign-up for our email list to receive updates. We additionally put up details about advisories and closures on social media. Follow us on Facebook for seashore standing updates.

Visit our web site to be taught extra concerning the Washington seashore monitoring program.