Renton's Gene Coulon Reopens To Swimmers

RENTON, WA — Renton residents will have a second way to ride out the heat this week after one of the city's two swimming beaches reopened to swimmers Wednesday. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park was closed off to swimmers for most of August after routine testing found elevated bacteria levels.

During the warmer months, King County crews regularly test the water at beaches around Lake Washington to monitor for fecal matter and algal toxins. Beaches around Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland and Renton were impacted by similar closures earlier this month.

On Wednesday, Renton officials confirmed that Gene Coulon's swimming area was safe again for visitors to return. This year, neither Gene Coulon or Kennydale have staffed lifeguards staffed, and officials recommend adults avoid swimming alone and accompany children at all times. Lifeguards are on-duty at the Henry Moses Aquatic Center through Labor Day.

As of Wednesday, three Lake Washington beaches remained closed to swimming due to bacteria: Bellevue's Meydenbauer Bay and Newcastle beaches, and Seattle's Matthews Beach.

Residents can track the latest beach closures on King County's website.