SWANSEA — The Swansea Board of Health reports that elevated bacteria levels have led to the closure of Sandy Beach and Cedar Cove.
On Tuesday, July 25, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health notified the Town of Swansea that elevated bacterial levels detected at Sandy Beach and Cedar Cove necessitate closure of both beaches.
The beaches will reopen when testing shows levels within the State’s allowable limit.
The Swansea Board of Health tests all public and semi-public beaches weekly throughout the summer. While this week’s test for Sandy Beach and Cedar Cove came back within the allowable limits set by the state, the running average of bacterial levels for the last five tests exceeded the state standard.
Signage has been placed at the entrances and parking lots of the public beaches to inform beachgoers of these closures.
Sandy Beach and Cedar Cove will be reopening as soon as bacteria levels return to acceptable levels.
Updates about beach openings and closures can be found on the Town of Swansea’s Facebook page and the town’s website.
At this time, Swansea Town Beach, Coles River Club, and Leeside Club remain open to the public for swimming.
The State’s beach testing program monitors over 1,100 public and semi-public beaches in Massachusetts to ensure the safety of swimmers and beachgoers and prevent pathogens spread by contamination. Indicator organisms, which are specific bacteria that resemble harmful pathogens, are used to predict the presence of these pathogens. In Massachusetts, the presence of Enterococci and E. coli bacteria is monitored in beach waters.
Bacteria can enter beach water through various sources, including stormwater runoff, malfunctioning septic systems, sewer overflows, wildlife and pet waste, and agricultural runoff. Swimming in water contaminated with bacteria can lead to gastrointestinal, respiratory, dermatological, eye, and ear symptoms, and in some cases, more serious illnesses. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
Frequent rain, such as has occurred this season, can lead to beach closures.
For more information, residents can contact the Swansea Board of Health at 508-674-5731.
The Town of Swansea will provide updated information regarding the status of the town’s beaches as it becomes available.
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