Beaches along the East Coast closed due to fecal contamination just days before Labor Day weekend.

As the Labor Day weekend approaches, many of the East Coast’s renowned beaches, spanning from Long Island to Florida, have been deemed off-limits to swimmers due to elevated levels of fecal contamination. This alarming development raises significant health concerns as the summer season draws to a close.

Earlier this week, Suffolk County officials announced the closure of Benjamin’s Beach in Bay Shore, Long Island, following the detection of bacteria at levels exceeding acceptable thresholds. The beach, a favored hotspot located on the South Shore adjacent to Great South Bay, remains closed until further testing indicates that bacterial levels have returned to a safe standard, according to health authorities.

Exposure to water contaminated with bacteria can result in various health issues, including gastrointestinal illnesses, skin rashes, and infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat, as noted by Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott. The beach, complete with a playground and marina facilities, was especially popular among families, leaving many disappointed by the closure.

This issue is not isolated to Long Island. Along the East Coast, similar advisories have been issued from Crystal River, Florida, to Ogunquit, Maine, including areas such as Barnstable County in Cape Cod. Public health officials attribute these elevated bacterial levels to various sources, such as urban runoff, sewage overflows, and agricultural practices. This grim situation underscores the findings of Environment America, a research and policy nonprofit, which reported that more than 60% of U.S. beaches were flagged for potentially unsafe water conditions last year.

According to a recent report, 1,930 out of 3,187 beaches tested nationwide—about 61%—revealed at least one day with indicators of fecal contamination surpassing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) strictest guidelines. This “Beach Action Value” serves as a precautionary measure to enable states to issue advisories for public safety.

In addition to bacterial contamination, Vermont has also issued swimming advisories for nearly two dozen spots affected by high levels of cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae. This harmful organism can lead to serious health problems, such as rashes, abdominal pain, and even liver damage, according to the state’s public health department.

As the summer season comes to an end, beachgoers are advised to remain vigilant concerning water quality and heed any advisories from health officials to ensure their safety.