"Closures this week have included popular destinations like Keyes Memorial Beach in Cape Cod, Benjamin's Beach on Long Island, and several beaches in the Florida Keys. "Benjamin's Beach in Bay Shore is closed to bathing due to the finding of bacteria at levels in excess of acceptable criteria," one notice read. "According to Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gregson Pigott, bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.""
"Beach season is almost is our rear view, but a number of beaches across the U.S. are closing a little early this year. The reason? High levels of fecal contamination in the water. Beaches along the east coast, from Maine to Florida, are the most affected. Closures this week have included popular destinations like Keyes Memorial Beach in Cape Cod, Benjamin's Beach on Long Island, and several beaches in the Florida Keys. However, warnings in San Diego, California, and even Hawaii have also been reported."
Numerous U.S. beaches are closing early because of elevated fecal contamination in recreational waters. East Coast beaches from Maine to Florida are most affected, with closures at sites such as Keyes Memorial Beach, Benjamin's Beach, and several Florida Keys beaches; warnings have also appeared in San Diego and Hawaii. Heavy rainfall can wash fecal bacteria into water bodies, and swallowing contaminated water can cause illness. An environmental analysis found 61% of U.S. beaches had potentially unsafe contamination levels in 2024, with roughly two-thirds (1,930 of 3,187) experiencing at least one unsafe day. Swimming-related illnesses are estimated in the tens of millions annually.
Read at Fast Company
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]