Matthews Beach Park is temporarily off-limits to swimmers after a contamination event prompted Seattle Parks to warn people and pets to stay out of the water. The swim area at the popular northeast Seattle freshwater beach is closed through April 4 at 7:30 p.m., while Seattle Public Utilities leads the response and crews work to track down the source of the problem. The shutdown will remain in place until officials lift the advisory.
Officials and response
Seattle Parks announced the closure of the Matthews Beach swim area, according to KIRO 7, which republished reporting from MyNorthwest. The notice specifies that the water at Matthews Beach Park is closed through April 4 at 7:30 p.m., while Seattle Public Utilities crews address the contamination event. Seattle Parks is urging anyone with questions to contact Seattle Public Utilities directly for more details.
What visitors should do
Until officials give the all clear, visitors are being told to skip swimming, wading or entering the water at Matthews Beach, and to keep pets out of the lake as long as the advisory remains in effect. For updates or to report possible pollution, Seattle Parks has directed people to Seattle Public Utilities, whose website lists reporting tools and emergency contacts. Seattle Public Utilities also outlines how to report a pollution incident and where to find water-quality resources.
Beach history and water-quality context
Matthews Beach is one of Seattle’s largest freshwater bathing beaches and has faced periodic closures in past summers when testing showed elevated bacteria levels or after sewage overflows, The Seattle Times reported. The park’s official page lists its location as 5100 NE 93rd St. and notes that lifeguard coverage is seasonal; city and county health officials typically reopen swim areas only after follow-up testing confirms that the water is safe. Seattle Parks maintains information on lifeguard schedules and any current beach advisories.
Officials say they will update the public as more information becomes available. Anyone planning a trip to the beach in the coming days should check in with Seattle Public Utilities for the latest advisory status and reporting tools. We will post updates when agencies release new test results or lift the closure.
