KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - A stretch of Alki beach reaching approximately from 49th Avenue SW to 61st Avenue SW remains closed today because hypodermic needles washed ashore on Thursday from an unknown source.

Parks staff surveyed the beach until 9 p.m. yesterday and are back out walking the beach today. Though no additional needles have been found today, as a precaution the beach will stay closed behind posted signs at least through 6 p.m. today, when a determination will be made on whether to reopen it.

Park visitors Thursday afternoon noticed the capped and unopened needles washing ashore, and called 9-1-1. Seattle police and fire units responded. Because the needles clearly presented a safety and health hazard, Parks and Public Health – Seattle & King County have posted signs advising people to stay out of the water and away from the sand near the water.

If park visitors find a needle, they are advised to leave it alone and contact Parks staff.

Parks will reopen the beach when it is determined that no more hypodermics are arriving on shore.

# # #