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 collect water samples at public beaches at least once every month from May to September. This message was revised on June 17, 2009 and will be updated when conditions change.

LAKE SWIMMING BEACH CLOSURES

There are currently no swimming beach advisories at any Kitsap County Lakes.

MARINE SWIMMING BEACH CLOSURES

There are currently no marine swimming beach advisories.

OTHER LAKE ADVISORIES

There are currently no additional advisories for Kitsap County Lakes.

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 5:00 pm.

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