The Door County Triathlon organizers worked with the Door County

Health Department to develop a Response Plan in the case of a beach

advisory or closure due to elevated bacteria levels on event weekend.

The beach at Murphy Park is tested for bacteria several times each week

at various depths (12 inches, 24 inches and 48 inches each time).

Only the shallow water (12-24 inches) readings dictate whether an

advisory or closure is issued. Murphy Park has had only one advisory so

far this year. If there is a shallow water advisory or closure but clean

readings in the “deep water” (48 inches or more),

the swim event will go on as planned but will be optional for all

participants. The Health Department indicated that there is very little

health risk associated with wading through shallow water with elevated

bacteria levels (as long as participants do not drink the shallow water or

pass through it with open wounds). In the event of a deep water advisory

or closure, the swim event will be canceled. This Response Plan has

been reviewed and approved by the Door County Health Department.