Are your local marine waters safe to swim? PTMSC volunteers take weekly water samples from Memorial Day to Labor Day at Fort Worden State Park for the BEACH Program (Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication & Health). The program is led by the Department of Ecology and Washington State Department of Health and works with county and local agencies like PTMSC.
BEACH volunteers collect a sample on a rainy day in May. Samples get collected rain or shine!
The BEACH Program (Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication & Health) ensures that marine water is safe to swim and play in and informs the public if water doesn’t meet E.P.A. swimming standards. Sampling takes place in Washington shorelines from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The program is led by the Department of Ecology and Washington State Department of Health and works with county and local agencies like PTMSC.
PTMSC volunteers collect water samples every week at three sites in Fort Worden State Park. They note weather conditions as well as environmental changes and human activity.
After collection, the samples are dropped off and tested at a lab for fecal bacteria, specifically enterococcus. Fecal bacteria are found in human and animal poop, which can get into the water from different sources, including people, pets, birds or other wildlife, sewage spills or septic leaks, and runoff from rivers and streams. Although fecal bacteria are a natural part of the environment, their presence in the water could mean there are other disease-causing pathogens. High levels of fecal bacteria can make people sick with vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, ear infections, and fever. 
How do I know if it is safe to swim?
As long as bacteria levels meet health standards, beaches will remain open. If a water sample has high levels of bacteria, then that beach is closed, or an advisory is issued to warn people to avoid the water.
Look for signs posted at your local beach. Local health agencies post yellow warning or red beach closure signs, so look for them before you step in the water. In case of a sewage spill, beaches that are affected are closed, and a sign is posted to warn people not to swim.
To check the status of swimming beaches near you before you head out, view the live closures and advisories map.Â
Follow DOE on Facebook for beach status updates.Â
Reduce your risk of illness (From Washington Department of Ecology)
Even when a beach is open for public swimming, there are steps you can take to keep you and your family safe.
Do not swim at any public beach if you are already sick or if you have a weakened immune system.
Do not swallow beach water.
If possible, keep your face and head out of the water or wear nose plugs and goggles.
Do not swim near a pipe or stream flowing into the water.
Shower after swimming or spending time at a beach.
Wash your hands before eating food.
If you believe that you are sick from swimming in contaminated waters, see your physician immediately, and report to your local health department which beach may have caused your illness.
Help keep your local beaches clean Join us in keeping Washington’s beaches clean:
Use bathrooms and swim diapers — Give children frequent bathroom breaks and put younger children in swim diapers.
Scoop the poop — Pick up your dog’s poop, bag it, and throw it in the trash.
Don’t feed wildlife — Feeding the birds and other wildlife can be fun, but it encourages them to stick around, ultimately bringing more poop to the beach.
Don’t swim sick — Avoid swimming if you’re not feeling well, especially if you have diarrhea.
Pack out trash — Pack your trash in a bag and throw it away at the beach or at home.
Sign up for DOE’s email list to receive updates or follow them on social media.
See resources below to learn more about the BEACH program and get involved!
