SWIMMING BEACH CLOSURES AND LAKE ADVISORIES

The following information lists current public health advisories for Kitsap County lakes, streams and marine swimming beaches. Health District staff collects water samples at public beaches at least once every month from May to September. This message was revised on December 14, 2009 and will be updated when conditions change.

The public is reminded that while swimming is an encouraged and healthy activity, there are inherent risks with swimming just like any other daily or recreational activity. Swimming is communal bathing regardless of whether you are swimming in a lake, pool, or spa. Fecal-related bacteria and viruses passed from person-to-person are the most common source of swimming-related illness. In order to reduce the inherent risks with swimming, the Health District recommends the following:

HEALTH TIPS

1. Do not swim or enter the water if you are ill, vomiting, or have diarrhea.
2. Do not defecate or urinate in the water.
3. Do not allow diapered individuals to enter the water. Take children on frequent bathroom breaks.
4. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after going to the bathroom or changing a diaper --- especially hands and other body parts that may have come into contact with fecal matter.
5. Do not ingest swimming water.
6. If ill, see your health care provider as soon as possible.
7. Do not swim in water that looks or smells bad, or areas with visible animal fecal matter on the ground or in the water.

SAFETY TIPS

1. Ensure that you and your family know how to swim (i.e., take swimming lessons), that you understand your swimming limitations and stay within your swimming capabilities.
2. Never swim alone --- always use the “buddy system”.
3. Use life jackets and other swimming aids as required or as needed.
4. Obey all park or swimming pool rules.
5. Learn basic life saving and CPR skills.

CLOSURES

There are no closures at this time

ADVISORIES

There are no closures at this time
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Please Click here http://www.kitsapcountyhealth.com/environmenta_health/water_quality/lakes_swimming.htm for more information about our swimming beach monitoring efforts.

PREVENTION - To help prevent Swimmer’s Itch:
Apply waterproof sunscreen before swimming;
Shower or vigorously towel dry immediately after leaving the water;
Avoid areas with known problems;
Avoid areas with many aquatic plants, snails or waterfowl.

TREATMENT - Itching may be controlled by using phenolized calamine lotion and/or an antihistamine such as Benadryl. If there are any signs of secondary skin infection, individuals should talk to their doctor about proper care and treatment.

CAUSE - Swimmer’s itch is caused by a naturally occurring microorganism, a larval schistosome, which is carried from lake to lake by ducks, geese or other waterfowl. It’s natural host is an aquatic snail. When human swimmers leave the water, any larval schistosomes on their skin may burrow into the skin in an effort to survive. The schistosomes die quickly, but their presence under the skin can trigger an allergic reaction. Although the allergic reaction and itching can be an uncomfortable nuisance, there are no permanent health effects.

REPORTING WATERBORNE ILLNESS - It’s important to report cases of swimmer’s itch or other waterborne illnesses to the Health District so that other people can be warned of any outbreaks. To report a waterborne illness, swimmers itch, an algae bloom, or if you have any questions about the Health District’s lake monitoring program, please call the Health District at (360) 337-5235, Monday through Friday, between 8 am and 4:30 pm.

Please Click here for more information about our swimming beach monitoring efforts.