Wake reopens Sandling Beach at Falls Lake swimming area

Wake County has reopened the recreational swimming area at Sandling Beach at Falls Lake State Recreational Area. The beach was closed Friday due to elevated levels of bacteria.

The area was reopened late Sunday after bacteria levels tested within Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for two consecutive days.

Camp Kanata Lake, a private lake near Wake Forest, remained closed Sunday for swimming.

The county routinely tests recreational lakes for bacteria, including Enterococci and E coli. When bacteria levels exceed EPA standards, the area is closed to "primary contact recreation," which is swimming or any activity where your head may go underwater. The county samples these lakes weekly each summer.

People are reminded to always wash their hands with soap and water, and thoroughly shower after swimming, tubing or skiing in lakes.