Big Falls County Park

Nicki Minaj’s hit song “Starships” goes a little something like: “Let’s go to the beach, each / Let’s go get away / They say, what they gonna say?” Well, it turns out, local health officials are saying: Be careful. With the looming threat of the coronavirus still hanging around this summer, you shouldn’t be worried about heading outside. In fact, the ventilation that a nice breeze provides, as well as the ultraviolet light from the sun, makes going outside perhaps better than staying shut inside all day. What you should be worried about is close human contact, public health experts say, as well as contaminated water due to algae blooms and other bacteria and parasites. Get out there and enjoy it, but remember to be safe while you soak up the sun. 

BEST BEACH
(2020 BEST OF THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY READER POLL)

#1 • Big Falls County Park

#2 • Ray’s Beach on Lake Wissota

#3 • Lake Altoona County Beach

BEST BODY OF WATER FOR RECREATION 
(2020 BEST OF THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY READER POLL)

#1 • Lake Wissota

#2 • Chippewa River

#3 • Lake Holcombe

BEACH SAFETY TIPS!

• Check to make sure the beach is open first. COVID-19 aside, some beaches might be closed for algae blooms or other issues in the water. 
• Stay socially distant. Health officials think the coronavirus most likely does not spread through water (though they’re not yet 100% sure), but you can still catch it by being too close to someone who has the virus. The CDC recommends six-foot (or more) distance apart from people who you do not live with and wearing a cloth mask when social distancing is not possible. 
• Do not drink the water. Although you most likely will not catch coronavirus that way, you may ingest a host of other nasty bacteria and parasites. 
• Avoid algae blooms. If you see one, avoid it – and do not allow your pets to swim in it. It may be toxic not only for you, but for your pets, too. 
• Don’t swim with open wounds to avoid bacteria spread. 
• Consider bathroom options. There may be none, or they may not be the most hygienic option. Bring with hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and, if possible, wash your hands frequently. 
• Consider the day and the number of people at the beach. If it’s a time when the beach is likely to be busy (the weekends, Fourth of July, etc.), try coming back at a time when it’s less busy to avoid social contact. 
• Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses. Normal protections for a day out in the sun still apply! 
• Stay hydrated!