Clallam County and the State of Washington Department of Health rely heavily on the volunteer efforts of the Olympic Baywatchers. These volunteers do a wonderful job collecting mussel samples for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning monitoring. This monitoring allows us to identify increased PSP levels and make public notifications. If a beach is closed by the State Department of Health, Clallam County notifies the public of the closure through press releases and beach postings.
Clallam County Environmental Health coordinates the Olympic Baywatchers for PSP monitoring at two sites in Sequim Bay. Environmental Health Services also samples mussels at Ediz Hook biweekly to check for PSP. All of the samples collected along Clallam County beaches are sent to the Washington State Department of Health Laboratory to be tested.
Environmental Health Services coordinates the Baywatcher volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at 360-417-2258.