San Francisco Bay Reopened to Swimmers After Oil Spill

By Kristin Bender

SAN FRANCISCO, California, November 21. BAY swimmers who have been out of the water for nearly three weeks following a massive oil spill that darkened San Francisco Bay earlier this month were given permission to enter the water today.

The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park's Aquatic Park beach and lagoon reopened to the public for swimming and recreational activities this morning. Swimmers were cautioned to stay clear of pilings, lines and vessels that might be covered in oil residue.

Water World Swim coach Pedro Ordenes, who holds year-round weekly Sunday morning swims, said he is calling swimmers back to the Bay this Sunday.

"Things are looking better and better to soon go back to our beloved Bay," Ordenes said. "This morning after seeing the seagulls, seals and people walking and exercising we thought, how much more beautiful will (it) be to see our swimmers back in a Bay."

The Dolphin Club of San Francisco and the South End Rowing Club, which both hold organized Bay swims, were also alerted that it is safe to re-enter the water, Ordenes said.

Swimmers have been out of the 55-degree water since the foggy morning of Nov. 7 when the Cosco Busan, a South Korean container ship, slammed into a pile supporting the Bay Bridge, dumping 58,000 gallons of oil into the Bay.

Nearly 20,000 gallons of oil have been cleaned up and another 4,000 gallons have evaporated, U.S. Coast Guard officials announced Tuesday.

Swimmers were advised that weather and tides could re-oil the beach and lagoon at any time and that the park could again be closed for assessment and further clean-up.

More than 1,600 sea birds have died after being contaminated with oil and another 700 have been cleaned.

The spill not only impacted swimmers but also kite-boarders, surfers and ocean lovers, who have launched a web site called killthespill.org for updates on cleanup and getting people back into clean and safe water as soon as possible.

Swimmers who come across oiled wildlife should not approach the animal but should report it by calling (877) 823-6926.

Swimmers should also not make contact with oil and oil-contaminated objects but should report oil on the beach or in the water sheen by calling (985) 781-0804.

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