Swimmers hoping to make the most of Massachusetts' hot, sunny mid-August weather are facing a different kind of alert, according to Boston.com.
Dozens of beaches are closed because of water quality problems. The statewide total had reached 35 closed beaches heading into last weekend, as tracked by the state's public health department, covering both coastal spots and inland ponds as many residents were likely mapping out their plans.
Here's what to know
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the closures stretched from Amherst to Brewster. The agency's online tracker listed 24 beaches shut down over bacteria, seven over harmful algae, and four for other reasons.
Among the affected locations were familiar swimming areas, including several Kings Beach access points in Lynn and Tashmoo Beach in Tisbury.
Health officials say swimmers should avoid any beach that has been posted as closed, since entering the water can raise the risk of illness.
More background
The MDPH interactive beach water quality dashboard updates every hour during beach season, including weekends. A beach closure means the water didn't meet the standards considered safe for swimming at that time.
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State and federal requirements call for bacteria testing at more than 1,100 public and semi-public beaches in Massachusetts while they're open for swimming, Boston.com reported. How frequently a beach is sampled depends on its past record and its likelihood of developing water quality issues.
Poor water quality can result from a range of problems. State health officials say stormwater runoff, damaged or leaking sewer lines, animal waste, and other safety concerns can all trigger postings.
What can be done?
Before getting in the water, beachgoers can check the state dashboard, especially on warm weekends when conditions may shift quickly. A beach that is open earlier in the day may later be posted, and bacteria-related closures stay in place until follow-up testing shows acceptable results.
Both types of warnings carry health concerns. Bacteria advisories can signal contamination that may make swimmers sick, and cyanobacteria blooms come with separate risks.
Routine sampling and public notices remain the primary tools communities use to help keep swimmers safe.
The MDPH's website also has some great advice to keep in mind: "When in doubt, stay out!"
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