Memorial Day is a time to honor America’s fallen soldiers past and present.

It’s also the unofficial start of summer.

Today’s weather isn't exactly ideal for a beach swim.

But once we get to magical Seattle summer weather, don’t forget to check King County Public Health’s website before you take a dip.

They send out environmental scientists like Wyatt Klepac each week to test our swim beaches for toxic algae and bacteria.

Right now, Green Lake’s West Beach is closed because of toxic algae and Newcastle Beach due to high bacteria.

Last summer, we were curious about how the county decides to close beaches and went out with Wyatt to see for ourselves.

Here’s that episode again.

We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.

Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.

Memorial Day is a time to honor America&rsquo;s fallen soldiers past and present.
It&rsquo;s also the unofficial start of summer.
Today&rsquo;s weather isn't exactly ideal for a beach swim.
But once we get to magical Seattle summer weather, don&rsquo;t forget to check King County Public Health&rsquo;s website before you take a dip.
They send out environmental scientists like Wyatt Klepac each week to test our swim beaches for toxic algae and bacteria.
Right now, Green Lake&rsquo;s West Beach is closed because of toxic algae and Newcastle Beach due to high bacteria.
Last summer, we were curious about how the county decides to close beaches and went out with Wyatt to see for ourselves.
Here&rsquo;s that episode again.
We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kuow.org/donate/seattlenow">Tap here</a>&nbsp;to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.
Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:seattlenow@kuow.org">seattlenow@kuow.org</a>, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or<a href="https://www.kuow.org/feedback">&nbsp;leave us feedback online</a>.

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

Seattle Now

Memorial Day is a time to honor America’s fallen soldiers past and present.  It’s also the unofficial start of summer.  Today’s weather isn't exactly ideal for a beach swim.  But once we get to magical Seattle summer weather, don’t forget to check King County Public Health’s website before you take a dip.  They send out environmental scientists like Wyatt Klepac each week to test our swim beaches for toxic algae and bacteria.  Right now, Green Lake’s West Beach is closed because of toxic algae and Newcastle Beach due to high bacteria.  Last summer, we were curious about how the county decides to close beaches and went out with Wyatt to see for ourselves.  Here’s that episode again.