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Several popular King County beaches are closed during the July 4 holiday weekend because of high levels of fecal bacteria.
Seattle Parks to close Alki Beach early, turn on park lights to prevent crime, damage
The state Department of Ecology and local health departments have issued a no-contact advisory for 10 beaches in four counties until further notice. Those beach include:
Jefferson County
Irondale Beach Park
Point Whitney Tidelands
King County
Saltwater State Park
Redondo County Park
Des Moines Beach Park
Carkeek Park
Mason County
Potlatch State Park
Twanoh State Park
Belfair State Park
Thurston County
Burfoot County Park
Scientists say the extreme heat from last weekend likely caused high levels of bacteria. The high temperatures may have acted like an incubator for bacteria growth. Additionally, it also could be due to the larger than normal crowds using beaches to seek relief from the heat.
If you ignore the warnings and decide to swim anyway, the Department of Ecology says you should shower immediately after getting out of the water or when you return home.
