Cline Spit beach will remain closed after officials with Clallam County Health and Human Services’ environmental health division found the water contaminated with fecal matter last week.

The closure began on Aug. 14 and health officials advise visitors avoid any water contact with swimming or wading in waters at Cline Spit County Park.

Andy Brastad, Clallam County Health and Human Services Environmental Health director, said they retested on Aug. 17 and there still were high levels of contaminate so they plan to retest again on Aug. 19 and release the results the following day.

Contact with fecal contaminated waters can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses, health officials said. Children and the elderly may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses.

Brastad said county officials can’t prohibit people from going in the water.

“Swimming and wading are not a good idea,” he said. “If people go in boats or kayaks, they should seek precautions. Cuts or some kind of opening in the body are an entryway.”

As to the cause of the contamination, Brastad is unsure. “It’s a puzzle,” he said.

Brastad said he’s received notices from cities and areas along shorelines in Washington that there are several beaches closed for similar issues which health officials attribute to the hot weather.

This is the first time Cline Spit beach has been closed for health concerns that he knows of, Brastad said.

For more information about the advisory, call 417-2415.