As swim season starts, Wake County is making sure your favorite spots are safe for water fun. Starting this week and running through Labor Day weekend, the County will test the water at local lakes and recreational areas each week to check for bacteria. Color-coded signs of green, yellow or red will indicate whether it’s safe to swim, if caution is needed or if it’s best to stay dry.

“Making sure our lakes and recreational waters are safe is a top priority,” said Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings. “Regular testing helps us catch potential problems early, and those color-coded signs are there to protect you and your family. Before you swim, take a moment to check the sign. It's a simple step that helps keep everyone safe.”

Sampling locations include Beaverdam, Sandling Beach and Holly Point at Falls Lake, Fantasy Lake Water Park, YMCA Camp Kanata, New Life Camp, Umstead State Park and Lake Wheeler.

Freshwater lakes naturally contain bacteria, but high levels can be harmful. Advisory signs at each site will display weekly conditions. Green means bacteria levels are within accepted limits, yellow means levels are elevated or there’s a rain advisory and red means the beach is closed.

Regardless of the sign color, you should always be cautious swimming at the lake and follow healthy swimming tips.

• Try not to swallow lake water. Swim with your mouth closed. Keep your head above water.
• Go to the bathroom before going in the water. Take children to the bathroom often.
• Put a new swim diaper on your child before entering the water. Check and change swim diapers often.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before eating.
• Take a shower after swimming.
• Don’t go in the water if it is raining or has rained in the last day. The water is likely to have more germs. Heavy rain can carry germs into swim areas by washing anything it touches, like animal waste, into the water.
• Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea or vomiting.
• Pets are not allowed in beach areas.
• Don’t feed the birds. This attracts them to the area, and their waste can pollute the water.
   

To help you plan your visit, Wake County offers an interactive map and weekly water quality reports at wake.gov/beach. There, you can check the latest conditions at each sampling site and see whether your favorite swimming spot is safe for water activities.