BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Swimmers might want to think twice before jumping off Taylor Dock this summer.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services issued a swimming advisory at Boulevard Park on May 31 after routine monitoring found high levels of fecal bacteria in the water.

The advisory is specifically for the southern end of the park near Taylor Dock, which has served as a popular swimming area in Bellingham for many years.

The health department is urging the community to avoid contact with the water in that area. The monitoring was done as part of the state Department of Ecology’s Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication and Health (BEACH) Program.

Testing for the program takes place from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Courtesy of the Department of Ecology