Beaches in NJ tested for bacteria, declared safe for swimming. Kicks off summer season
With Memorial Day weekend in sight, seven Jersey Shore beach spots have been tested for bacteria and declared to be safe for swimming, according to state environmental officials.
Throughout the summer, health officials will test more than 300 sites around New Jersey weekly, looking for high bacteria levels that could cause illness. Testing is performed each Monday and results are typically available by Tuesday afternoon.
Beaches that fail for having high bacteria levels are retested daily during the week, until their microbe counts fall to level considered safe for swimming.
Leaky sewer systems, animal waste and stormwater runoff are all contributors to high levels of bacteria at lakes and beaches. In large enough concentrations, these microbes can cause illnesses like vomiting, diarrhea and ear infections in swimmers. People with weak immune systems, young children and elderly adults are particularly at risk.
The seven beaches that have tested safe for swimming as of May 20, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, are:
Belmar beach at 5th Avenue.
Belmar beach at 12th Avenue.
Belmar beach at 20th Avenue.
Belmar's L Street beach on the Shark River.
Point Pleasant Beach's northernmost beach.
Point Pleasant Beach at Jenkinson's Pavilion.
Point Pleasant Beach at Maryland Avenue.
Despite low bacteria levels, swimming can still be dangerous at these locations. Local officials regularly warn swimmers not to enter the water unless lifeguards are present.
Additionally, midweek rain could flush animal waste, pesticides, oil and other pollutants into streams and rivers and increase bacteria counts in some waterways temporarily, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Swimmers should avoid water that is cloudier than usual, discolored or has a bad smell, according to the Centers for Disease Control. To prevent illness, avoid swimming with any cuts or wounds, and keep sand out of children's mouths, according to the agency. If soap and water is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before eating on the beach, according to the CDC.
Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 17 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Worried about ocean swimming? Belmar, Point Pleasant beaches safe
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