Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle Parks and Rec just sent out a press release that made all our resident Denny Blaine fans get kinda queasy...

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and Seattle Parks and Recreation this afternoon ordered Denny Blaine Park closed to swimming after city inspectors detected high levels of fecal coliform bacteria in a stormwater pipe just upstream of the park, at 200 Lake Washington Blvd. E.

While the bacteria has not been confirmed at the swimming beach, tests are under way to verify the bacteria level in lake.

The park is likely to remain closed to swimming through the weekend, until the lake water at the beach has been collected and tested at SPU’s water quality laboratory, and the area is declared safe for human contact. Pets are also at risk.

They go on to explain that fecal coliform bacteria live in animals and humans and "are excreted via feces," in case the "fecal" part of the name wasn't clear enough. They also assure you that the bacteria generally aren't dangerous to humans or animals, but they can signal the possibility of other, more dangerous bacteria.

So, first order of business (ha-ha): Stop pooping at the beach! But also: Stop crying and throwing up, everyone! There are still all sorts of wonderful places to go get wet this holiday week. Find some right here!