Swimming banned at Island Lake County Park due to E.coli bacteria

BREMERTON, Wash. -- The Kitsap Public Health District said Thursday it has temporarily closed the swimming beach at Island Lake County Park due to high levels of E.coli bacteria in the water.

The Health District has posted warning signs at the swimming area.  Since there is an increased risk of getting sick, it said, the public is advised to avoid all contact with the water in the swimming area until further notice.

That means no swimming, wading, or types of water play where water could be swallowed or get in the mouth, nose or eyes, the district said.

It added that the risk of illness is greatest for young children, the elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system.

The swimming beach is the only affected area at Island Lake County Park this time.  Kitsap Public Health said it has not received any reports of illness due to exposure to the lake.

It said high levels of E.coli bacteria can be caused by wildlife and pets in the water, people swimming when they are sick, a large number of swimmers, infants swimming without swim diapers, and/or and people entering the water without showering.