The state Department of Ecology, in cooperation with local agencies and county health departments, began monitoring area beaches this week to help keep saltwater swimmers safe.

The effort is called the BEACH Program, and through it, agency staffers collect fecal bacteria data each year from Memorial Day through Labor Day at 52 high-use, high-risk saltwater swimming beaches throughout the state. This is done in partnership with local and county agencies, tribal nations, and volunteers.

If there is a water quality, or water safety issue, local health departments send water contact advisories or impose closures at swimming beaches. The BEACH Program communicates the risk to the public and educates beachgoers on how to avoid getting sick from playing in the water. Jefferson County beaches now under observation include Fort Worden State Park, East Beach Park and Herb Beck Marina Beach.

Beachgoers can stay updated through the Department of Ecology BEACH Program website. The website includes a Beach Status Map where users can click on the beach they plan to visit for the most up-to-date information.

Decisions to post swimming advisories are based on the amount of enterococci bacteria in the water that indicates human or animal feces are present. Enterococci are bacteria that inhabit the intestine but can cause inflammation and blood infection if introduced elsewhere in the body. 

The BEACH Program's water-quality decision criteria are based on national EPA standards

Avoid swimming-related illness

Anyone who uses nearshore waters for recreational purposes such as swimming, scuba diving, surfing, paddle boarding, or kayaking can be exposed to illness associated with water contaminated by sewage or other water-borne pathogens. The most common of these illnesses is gastroenteritis, which can have one or more of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, headache, or fever. Vulnerable age groups and those with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to becoming ill.

Protect yourself and your family

First, do not swim at any public beach if you are already sick or if you have a weakened immune system. Also, avoid swimming for 24 hours after a heavy rainfall or anywhere you can see discharge pipes.

A few hygiene tips may help you minimize your exposure to illness.

If possible, keep your face and head out of the water or wear nose plugs and goggles. Don’t swallow beach water. Shower after swimming or recreating at a beach.

Wash your hands before eating, especially if you’ve been playing in the sand.

Whether or not a beach is closed to swimming and water contact, it's a good idea to take precautions when playing in the sand. Bacteria that cause illness can survive longer in sand than in water. This can put children at risk if they put contaminated sand in their mouth.

If you believe that you are sick from swimming in contaminated waters, see your physician immediately, and contact the Department of Ecology or the local health department to report which beach may have caused your illness.