Map Shows Beaches Under Bacteria Contamination Warnings on Labor Day

Beaches across multiple states have been issued health advisories due to elevated bacteria levels across Labor Day weekend.

States impacted by bacteria-related closures and warnings include California, Florida, and New York.

Why It Matters

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that swallowing water contaminated with bacteria can make you ill, including causing gastrointestinal illnesses such as diarrhea.

It can also cause infections if you enter the water with an open wound or cut, especially from a piercing or surgery.

Beach closed sign — A water contamination warning sign in Laguna Beach, California, in November 2023.

Mark Rightmire/The Orange County Register via AP

What To Know

In California, parts of the Imperial Beach and Silver Strand shorelines are closed due to unhealthy bacteria levels, according to the County of San Diego’s Department of Environmental Health and Quality.

Warnings have also been issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for several locations due to bacteria levels, including but not limited to:

Topanga Canyon Lagoon at Topanga County Beach
Manhattan Beach Pier in Manhattan Beach
Hermosa Beach Pier in Hermosa Beach
Redondo Beach Pier in Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach at Sapphire St.
Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey
Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

Several New York beaches are closed to swimming, including Olcott Beach in Niagara county, and Hudson Park Beach, according to state data.

In Florida’s Monroe County, a swimming advisory is active for oceanside Bahia Honda Key, where officials advise against entering the water.

Meanwhile in Hawaii, an advisory is in place urging the public to remain out of Kalauau Stream near 98-711 Iho Place, O’ahu, due to a broken private sewer line.

What People Are Saying

The Environmental Protection Agency says on its website: “Swimming, diving, or wading in water contaminated with fecal bacteria can result in gastrointestinal illness (such as diarrhea or vomiting), respiratory illness, and other health problems.

“Skin, ear, eye, sinus, and wound infections can also be caused by contact with contaminated water.”

John Rumpler, clean water director and senior attorney with Environment America, told The Associated Press: “These beaches are a treasure for families across New England and across the country. They are a shared resource.

“We need to make the investment to make sure that literally our own human waste doesn’t wind up in the places where we are swimming.”