10 Puget Sound beaches closed for fecal bacteria

Several popular King County beaches are closed during the July 4 holiday weekend because of high levels of fecal bacteria.

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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.