Gene Coulon Beach opens for swimming | June 1

Gene Coulon Beach opens for swimming | June 1

Published 1:30 pm Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Gene Coulon Memorial Beach in Renton has re-opened for swimming.

According to the King County web site, the newest testing on June 1 reveals that Gene Coulon — essentially the most southern swimming seaside on Lake Washington — has a lot decrease ranges of micro organism than the earlier week.

Data reveals that each one three sampled areas are under 320 colony forming models (CFU) per 100 milliliters of pattern water (>320 CFU/100 mL). CFU is a depend of the variety of micro organism, per 100 milliliters, and something larger than 320 CFU/100 mL is taken into account a excessive stage of micro organism and thus unsafe for swimming.

Sample A reveals 75 CFU/100 mL, whereas Samples B and C got here again with 90 CFU and 300 CFU.

The water at greater than two dozen lake seashores which can be well-liked swimming spots are frequently examined for micro organism yearly from mid-May to mid-September. If water assessments discover excessive CFU, it signifies that there are excessive ranges of organic waste from individuals, pets, or wildlife within the water, which might carry germs that make individuals ailing.

On May 26, Sample A confirmed 350 CFU/100 mL, Sample B confirmed 230 CFU/100 ml and Sample C confirmed 690 CFU/100 mL, which led to the seaside being closed for the second time in 2026.

What the county does as soon as a seaside is closed

The county first tries to search out the supply of the excessive micro organism, which suggests discovering the supply of waste entering into the water. Additional testing could also be utilized together with contacting native sewage utilities about attainable sewage leaks and spills.

When the supply of the excessive micro organism ranges are decided, the county will work with seaside managers to maintain poop out of the water, permitting swimmers to ultimately return.

According to the county web site, seaside managers will likely be suggested to do the next:

• Remind those who canine aren’t allowed on the swimming seaside, and geese and geese shouldn’t be fed close to the seaside.

• Clean up goose poop from docks to maintain it out of the water on the swimming space.

• Reduce the variety of geese close to the seaside, by utilizing shiny mylar strips (“scare tape”) or specifically skilled canine.

• Renovate docks to permit extra water circulation by the seaside space.

• Improve drainage within the park space close to the seaside, to cut back micro organism washing into the lake close to the seaside.

• Reduce poop entering into streams close to seashores.

To be taught extra about King County’s swimming seaside knowledge, go to kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/parks-recreation/king-county-parks/water-recreation/swimming-beach-bacteria-temperature.