The weather in western Washington has been beautiful this week, but officials are warning that the water tells a different story. High bacteria levels in local waters and a lack of lifeguards at many beaches have raised real concerns for anyone tempted to cool off, with authorities urging people to think carefully before jumping in.
Recent water tests found high levels of bacteria, which officials say means there is waste in the water from people, pets or wildlife. King County specifically warned that Enatai Beach in Bellevue, along with Matthews Beach and Mount Baker Beach in Seattle, currently have dangerously high bacteria levels that could make swimmers sick.
Warning signs have been posted at affected spots telling people to stay out of the water, but officials acknowledge that not everyone notices or reads them. Some beachgoers who spoke with FOX 13 admitted they had not checked the signs at all and were surprised to learn what the high bacteria readings actually meant.
Getting sick is not the only danger in western Washington waters right now. Beaches in Seattle and Bellevue do not have lifeguards posted yet, and water temperatures remain dangerously cold, a combination that can quickly turn a swim into an emergency even for confident swimmers.
Officials say there have already been two drownings at Lake Sammamish Park in the last two weeks. Sergeant Rich Barton said one of the easiest ways to stay safe is to wear a life vest, and authorities strongly recommend using them whenever people are in or near the water.
Officials stressed that they still want people to come out and enjoy the water, but to do so responsibly and to think about what they are getting themselves into. They are directing residents to check current bacteria levels at local beaches and to find out when lifeguards are expected to return before planning a swim.