Beaches along the East Coast close due to fecal contamination just before Labor Day weekend.
As the Labor Day weekend approaches, renowned beaches along the East Coast, stretching from Long Island to Florida, will be closed to swimmers due to elevated levels of fecal contamination. This situation poses a significant public health risk, warranting immediate attention and action from local authorities.
Suffolk County officials recently announced the closure of Benjamin’s Beach in Bay Shore, Long Island, following tests revealing that bacterial concentrations exceeded acceptable limits. Health experts, including Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott, have warned that exposure to bacteria-contaminated water can result in a range of health issues, including gastrointestinal illness, skin rashes, and infections affecting the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.
Benjamin’s Beach, a well-frequented spot on Long Island’s South Shore near the Great South Bay, is not expected to reopen until rigorous testing confirms that bacteria levels have returned to safe thresholds. The closure of this family-friendly beach, known for its playground and marina facilities, represents a broader trend affecting numerous coastal areas.
Advisories concerning elevated bacteria levels linked to fecal contamination have also been issued for popular beaches from Crystal River, Florida, to Ogunquit, Maine, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. A recent report by Environment America, a research and policy nonprofit, highlights that fecal contamination may originate from various sources, including urban runoff, sewage overflows, and agricultural operations. These contaminants often carry pathogens that can significantly jeopardize the health of swimmers, leading to proactive beach closures to safeguard public health.
The report further reveals alarming statistics regarding beach safety in the United States; over 60% of evaluated beaches recorded potentially unsafe contamination levels last year. Specifically, it was found that in 2024, 1,930 out of 3,187 beaches tested nationwide experienced at least one day of heightened fecal contamination, exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s ‘Beach Action Value’—a guideline used by states to issue beach advisories.
In addition to these contamination concerns, nearly two dozen swimming areas in Vermont are also under advisories due to high levels of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, which can lead to serious health consequences, including skin rashes and gastrointestinal distress.
As the summer season winds down, these closures serve as a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges to water quality and public health. Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed about local advisories and prioritize safety while enjoying beach activities.
