Heat waves and the 4th of July weekend have Americans flocking to the beach. Unfortunately, many Massachusetts residents won’t be able to swim in the ocean due to dozens of beaches being closed. And no, there is no need for a bigger boat because it’s not due to a shark. [Even though “Jaws” was shot in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.]
These closures are due to harmful bacteria levels. So basically Massachusetts traded “Jaws” for “Cabin Fever” or “The Crazies.”
The state’s water quality dashboard lists dozens of beaches that will be closed for the holiday weekend. These locations include popular destinations like Cape Cod, Greater Boston, the North Shore, and the Berkshires. With the majority of these places closed due to “Bacterial Exceedance.”
Signs have been posted by the Department of Public Health warning that swimming in unsafe water can lead to illnesses and infections.
“The risk is there even if you’re just putting your toes in because the bacteria’s present and the bacteria might cause a skin reaction,” warns Dr. Robert Goldstein, Commissioner of Public Health. “We really recommend when people see the sign they avoid contact with the water for themselves and even with their pets.”
Massachusetts officials will continue to conduct water quality testing weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Areas with a history of water quality issues are tested more frequently, due to public safety concerns. At this time there is no word on when these beaches may reopen.
You can view a full list of beach closures on the government’s official website.
