New Jersey beachgoers hoping to take a dip may want to check conditions before heading into the surf, as state officials have issued swimming advisories for 12 beaches in Atlantic and Monmouth counties after testing found elevated levels of bacteria associated with possible waste contamination.
Here's what to know
As reported by Fox 29, New Jersey flagged a dozen ocean beaches after water samples exceeded the state's limit for enterococci — the bacteria indicator used to screen for possible contamination from human or animal waste.
The affected beaches include Atlantic City's Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Iowa Avenue beaches; the city's Pennsylvania and States beaches; Connecticut Avenue and Missouri; Virginia Avenue and Mississippi Avenue; and Elberon Beach Club and Laird in Long Branch.
A swimming advisory does not automatically mean a beach is closed. New Jersey's monitoring policy calls for an advisory once a 100-milliliter water sample tops 104 enterococci colonies. Swimming is barred only when that happens in two back-to-back tests.
More background
In coastal monitoring, enterococci act as a warning sign that swimming water may be influenced by sewage, stormwater runoff, pet waste, or other pollution sources.
When bacteria levels rise, so does the risk of stomach illness, skin irritation, and other infections, particularly for children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
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A single elevated reading means bacteria levels have crossed a threshold meant to protect swimmers.
According to Fox 29, the advisory data comes from the state DEP's Beach Actions Dashboard and the Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program, which follow beach conditions and testing results across New Jersey.
What can be done?
Before going to the shore, visitors can look at the New Jersey Beach Actions dashboard, especially if they plan to use one of the affected beaches or are bringing children.
If a beach is under an advisory, it may be wise to stay out of the water until follow-up testing is completed, even if the sand and surrounding area remain open.
Those who still choose to swim should avoid swallowing the water and rinse off afterward.
Once an initial sample comes back high, officials take more water samples to see whether bacteria levels drop below the standard or whether a full swimming closure is needed.
The beaches are under advisory, not automatic closure, and conditions could change as new results come in.
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