Recreational Water | Skagit County

Pools, Spas, and Splashpads

Public Health permits and inspects all pools, spas, splashpads, and other water recreation facilities in Skagit County. We ensure that these facilities are clean, safe, well-maintained, and supervised as required by state regulations.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reviews all plans for water recreation facilities in Skagit County. Once your work is complete, DOH will release your plans to us and you can submit a request for inspection and permit. Click the button below to visit DOH's page for more information on the process.

Pool Plan Review Information

When are lifeguards required?

General Use water recreation facilities must have lifeguards. Limited Use facilities usually do not require lifeguards, except for times that they are open to the general public, such as during swim lessons or an open house.

Why does pool chemistry matter?

Pool chemistry is the balance of chemicals in your pool or spa water. Keeping those levels within certain ranges protects swimmers from illness & injury, and makes swimming a more comfortable experience.

The exact balance of chemicals depends on the type of pool and the type of chemicals you use. See the table in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-260-999 or ask your inspector if you have questions about your facility.

Is there any required training to operate a pool?

All water recreation facility operators in Skagit County must have a Skagit County pool operator certificate. We are in the process of updating this training & quiz. If you need to certify a new staff member or renew an existing certificate before the new training is posted, please contact us.

We expect to have the updated training available on this website in early November 2026.

Nationally recognized pool operator trainings:

Whatcom County Health & Community Services and Snohomish County Health Department regularly host in-person water recreation facility operator trainings in the spring. Sign up for their newsletters to learn when these trainings are available. We will also post dates here as they are announced.

How can I prevent drowning?

Drowning is a common and preventable cause of death among children 1-14 years old. Always supervise children in and around water.

Learn more about how to prevent drowning deaths:

Pool Resources & Forms

Pre-permit Application Form

Annual Permit Application Form

Shellfish Safety

Know Before You Go!

Check the Shellfish Safety Map

Before harvesting shellfish, check the Shellfish Safety Map or call the Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632. The map is updated when beaches are opened or closed due to safety concerns. Remember to check harvest seasons with Department of Fish and Wildlife, too.

Shellfish Safety Map Biotoxin Hotline

More Information about Shellfish

Expand the sections below for more information on safe shellfish handling.

Safe Handling

To avoid bacterial and viral illnesses, cook shellfish to 145°F (63°C), especially in summer months. Barbecuing oysters just until the shells open won't kill bacteria or viruses. Use a stem thermometer to check the meat temperature before serving.

Cooking shellfish does not destroy toxins. Follow best harvesting practices to reduce your risk of toxins:

Check the Shellfish Safety Map before you go. Do not harvest when there is biotoxin risk.
Harvest right as soon as possible after the tide goes out (at the beginning of the tide cycle instead of at the end).
Don't harvest oysters that have been exposed to direct sunlight for more than two hours.
Bring coolers with ice and keep shellfish cold at 50°F or less.

Learn more about how to handle, store, and cook shellfish properly to avoid illness from Washington State Department of Health.

Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP)

Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) is a toxin produced by a plankton. The toxin can form rapidly under certain conditions and can cause serious illness or even death when people consume the shellfish that have accumulated the toxin. PSP cannot been seen or tasted and cannot be cooked out.

Skagit County Public Health & the Skagit Conservation District participate in statewide monitoring program where shellfish from our local beaches are tested regularly. When levels of PSP and other naturally-occuring toxins rise, the beaches are closed to recreational harvest.

Visit the Paralytic Shellfish Poison FAQ page for more information.

Runoff

Shellfish are filter feeders, which means they eat everything that floats through the water. Surface water from streams and drainages can be contaminated with dog poop, septic system leaks, fertilizer runoff, and other pollutants. These all end up in our bays and shellfish beds and can contaminate the shellfish with human illnesses such as norovirus or hepatis A, or provide nutrients for bacteria such as vibrio parahaemolyticus to grow.

Learn more about how to prevent surface water runoff and protect shellfish beds from the Pollution Identification & Coordination Program at Skagit County Public Works.

Beaches & Lakes

Swim Beaches

Skagit County Public Health does not permit or inspect swim beaches or other natural bathing areas. You may be able to find more information about water quality at a particular beach at one of the following links:

Department of Ecology's BEACH map for saltwater swim beaches
Northwest Toxic Algae

Harmful Algal Blooms

Certain freshwater algae can produce toxins that make people or animals sick. In Skagit County, this is most common in lakes during the late summer.

Keep people and pets out of areas of heavy scum and intense color. When in doubt, stay out!

For more information about harmful algal blooms, including how to recognize and stay safe around them, visit the Washington State Department of Health.