By Brian Mittge, The Chronicle, 5/22/01
Memorial Day marks the traditional start of summer swimming, but half the public Lewis County-maintained swimming holes may not be open for the occasion.
Warning signs went up Monday afternoon at Schaefer Park north of Centralia advising of health risks in swimming in that part of the Skookumchuck River.
The problem stems from high fecal coliform counts in the stagnant water, said Kathleen Eussen, director of public health and social services for the county.
Poor water flow owing to channel blockage and the drought have contributed to a potentially unsafe situation in the swimming area, Eussen said.
Although it's not illegal to swim in the river at the park, ''it's not recommended,'' Eussen cautioned.
Another popular swimming area, Wallace Pond at South County Park outside Toledo, is currently closed because of milfoil, a slimy weed that hugs the shoreline and could potentially entangle swimming children, Eussen said.
Milfoil decreases visibility in the water, which can be another problem where small children are swimming.
''There are signs that say 'Swim at your own risk,' but people need to know if the water is not healthy,'' Eussen said.
No problems have been detected at the two other county-maintained swimming areas at Mayfield County Park and at Mineral Lake, Eussen said.
Part of the problem, Eussen said, is that ''natural bathing beaches'' can never be as clean as a chlorinated swimming pool.
''Natural bathing beaches are the natural sites for animals to drop their waste products,'' Eussen said.
''You're sharing that area, and it has inherent problems ... It's not always the safest choice for swimming,'' she advised.
Swimmers should always be aware of the conditions of the water, she said.
Warm water can breed bacteria, said Eussen, so young children in diapers should not be allowed in the water.
Diving is never a good idea, and those who want to jump into a river or lake should always check the water level to know what they're getting into, Eussen urged.
Parents should also remember that over the long winter, children might have forgotten what they used to know about water safety and how to swim, said the county worker.
''Young kids forget things from season to season ... they really need parent supervision and support,'' Eussen said.
For information about whether a swimming area is safe, residents may telephone the county health department at 740-1222 or 1-800-562-6130, Ext. 1222.
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Brian Mittge covers local government for The Chronicle. He may be reached by e-mail at bmittge@chronline.com, or by telephoning 807-8237.
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