PORT ANGELES — County officials have lifted a health advisory that was issued for Hollywood Beach on Dec. 28.
Moderate levels of Enterococci bacteria in the waters off Hollywood Beach in Port Angeles were detected, according to the Clallam County Health and Human Services, Environmental Health Section, which warned those who planned to participate in the Polar Bear Dip last Tuesday to protect their eyes, noses, mouths and open wounds from the water.
Enterococci bacteria are commonly found in the intestinal tract of mammals and birds and are used as an indicator of water quality, the county said.
More than 50 people raced into the water off Hollywood Beach on Tuesday. In 2018, about 150 people participated.
Tests taken the next day — Wednesday — found that the water quality was acceptable for human contact and the advisory was removed, the county announced Thursday.
Regular testing of the beach water will resume in May for the summer season.