Whatcom County Health and Community Services issued a swimming advisory for the beaches at the southern end of Boulevard Park near Taylor Dock on Friday, Aug. 9.
Routine water sampling found elevated fecal bacteria levels at the beach near an outfall pipe. The health department is advising people to avoid contact with the water in the surrounding area until further notice. A previous advisory for the dock and the surrounding waters was lifted June 21, with swimmers still advised to stay away from the outfall near Bennett Avenue.
Contact with water contaminated with fecal bacteria can cause gastroenteritis, skin rashes and other illnesses. The health department advised people who do come in contact with water or sand in the affected area to shower and wash their hands before eating.
Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.
