Seattle Parks has closed Matthews Beach Park and Pritchard Beach due to high bacteria levels, advising against swimming and water contact. These closures, along with ongoing toxic algae issues at Green Lake Park, occur as temperatures rise in the region. Other King County beaches, including Gene Coulon Memorial Beach, Houghton Beach, and Newcastle Beach, are also closed for elevated bacteria.
A view across Lake Washington from Matthews Beach Park. “Do not swim or water ski. Do not drink lake water.
Keep pets and livestock away. Clean fish well, discard guts. Avoid areas of scum when boating,” Seattle Parks stated. Cyanobacteria species can regulate their buoyancy and often rise to the water’s surface, forming a “surface scum,” according to Public Health — Seattle and King County.
When cyanobacteria bloom conditions are good, a lake or pond can change from clear to cloudy and murky within a matter of days. For your safety, stay out of the water at Matthews Beach Park and Pritchard Beach due to high bacteria levels. Green Lake Park is still closed due to toxic algae.
It is recommended that you do not swim or play in the water at these beaches.3 King County beaches closed after poop detected in water — 1 tests 44x above safe levels 'We are entering a new, more dangerous stage': WA reports 40 measles cases in 2026, more than triple all of 2025 The closures come as temperatures climb. Thursday is forecast to be near 80 degrees, while Tuesday is expected to reach 82 degrees, and Wednesday could see a high of 79 degrees, according to the “Appreciate the vigilance but it is so sad man- we are only in May and already have multiple beaches closed,” one user commented under Seattle Parks’ X post.
Other beaches closed in King County are Gene Coulon Memorial Beach, Houghton Beach, and Newcastle Beach. All of those beaches are closed due to high bacteria. Firefighters extract kitten from undercarriage of car in Gig HarborKing County prosecutors charged a Tacoma man after he allegedly opened fire outside a nightclub in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Covington man accused of throwing rock at Hawaiian monk seal released on $25K bond, banned from Hawaii beaches The Covington man accused of hurling a coconut-sized rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal faced a federal judge in Honolulu Wednesday. Why 45 is the new 50: The updated playbook for colon cancer screenings Colon cancer is one of the most common and deadliest types of cancer, and routine screenings are the best way to reduce your chances of becoming a statistic.
Redmond HVAC contractor earns triple recognition in 60 days, reflecting a shift in how homeowners vet contractors Three independent organizations that evaluate home service contractors each reached the same conclusion: Home Comfort Alliance is among the most reliable in its market. WSECU Community Champion: Chrystal Ortega’s mission to feed Spokane Chrystal Ortega's tireless dedication recently earned her the WSECU Community Champions Award and a $1,000 grant to further the mission.
When Shawn Tibbitts opened Tibbitts FernHill, he was just trying to survive. The small Tacoma restaurant has since earned culinary awards and praise. Wilcox Family Farms is continuing its cherished holiday tradition of giving back by donating nearly one million eggs to food banks across the South Sound region this season.
Toxic Algae Cyanobacteria Beach Closures High Bacteria Seattle King County Water Safety Lake Washington Public Health
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