Safety Alert: Michigan Beach Closed After Bacteria Spike

A popular Mid-Michigan beach has been temporarily closed due to elevated levels of E. coli. Water samples taken from Mott Lake prompted the Genesee County Health Department to close Bluebell Beach on June 24, 2025.

Why Bluebell Beach Was Closed

According to officials, heavy rainfall and subsequent runoff are often to blame for these spikes. The recent testing showed E. coli levels high enough to exceed Michigan’s safety guidelines for public swimming areas.

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Fortunately, no other beaches monitored by the Genesee County Health Department currently show unsafe levels.

UPDATE: Bluebell Beach reopened to swimmers on 6/26/2025.

What the Genesee County Health Department Is Saying

Genesee County Parks and the Health Department issued a joint statement confirming the waterfront at Bluebell Beach is closed to the public until further notice. Parks Director Patrick Linihan told local media, “We will be retesting tomorrow and see what we get.”

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While swimming is off-limits for now, other amenities at Bluebell Beach remain open. These include several pavilions, the splash pad, and the Flint River Bike Path.

What Triggers a Michigan Beach Closure?

Michigan law requires health departments to collect a minimum of three water samples each time a public beach is tested. A beach is closed if average levels exceed guidelines over 30 days, or if a single sample spikes above acceptable limits. Officials believe the latter is the case with Mott Lake.

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Linihan emphasized that testing will continue and that the beach will reopen once water quality meets safe-swimming standards.