Summer beach season is underway across the United States, but travelers are being urged to check water-quality advisories before swimming. Officials in several states have issued health alerts or closed beaches and lakes after routine testing found elevated bacteria levels that may pose risks to swimmers.
The warnings affect a wide range of destinations, from inland lakes in Iowa to coastal and freshwater sites in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Washington state. The latest alerts are part of a broader concern over beach water safety, with past research from the Environment America Research & Policy Center finding that 61% of U.S. beaches had potentially unsafe contamination levels in 2024.
Contaminated bathing water is often linked to stormwater runoff, sewage overflows, leaking sewer systems, failing septic systems, pet waste, agricultural runoff and wildlife or livestock waste. In some locations, the concern is E. coli. In others, officials are monitoring enterococci, toxic blue-green algae or broader bacterial contamination.
Multiple States Issue Swimming Warnings
In Iowa, the Department of Natural Resources has advised against swimming at several beaches after elevated E. coli levels were detected. Affected locations include Backbone Beach, Pine Lake South Beach, Geode Lake Beach, Union Grove Beach, Pleasant Creek Beach and Nine Eagles Beach. State officials maintain an online monitoring system that classifies beaches by current swimming status.
Massachusetts has also seen multiple closures and advisories this month. Reports cited beaches and swimming areas affected by bacteria, blue-green algae and related water-quality concerns, including Damon Pond Beach, Cliff Pond beaches, Cochituate State Park, College Pond, Fearings Pond beaches, Forest River and Juniper Point. The state’s public health department updates an interactive beach water-quality dashboard throughout the swimming season.
New Jersey has issued advisories at beaches and lakes where testing found elevated fecal bacteria. Reported locations include Ferry and Bay, Baywyn and Bay, Wildwood and Bay, Cedar Point Beach, Beachwood Beach West, Mirror Lake, Sleepy Lagoon and Vernon Valley Lake. Beesley’s Point Beach was closed altogether.
In Washington state, advisories are in place at several water access points, including Freeland County Park and Holmes Harbor, Walker County Park, Squaxin Park, Little Squalicum Park, West Bay Park and Thea Foss Waterway. Lake Meridian Park in Kent has also been closed because of elevated bacteria levels.
Travelers Need Local Checks Before Swimming
For travelers, the practical takeaway is simple: beach conditions can change quickly. A beach that was open earlier in the week may be under advisory after heavy rain, sewer overflow, algae bloom or a failed water test. This is especially relevant for families, older travelers and people with weakened immune systems, who may be more vulnerable to waterborne illness.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says swimming, diving or wading in water contaminated with fecal bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness, respiratory symptoms and infections involving the skin, ears, eyes, sinuses or wounds. E. coli is often harmless in normal digestive systems, but some strains can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.
The issue is not limited to bacteria. In Florida and parts of the Caribbean-facing coastline, sargassum seaweed has also disrupted beach conditions. When large amounts wash ashore and decay, they can release gases that smell unpleasant and may irritate some beachgoers.
The alerts do not mean travelers should cancel beach plans across the country. They do mean that checking local health department updates should become part of summer trip planning, alongside weather, parking and surf conditions. For beach destinations, clear public information is now an essential part of maintaining traveler confidence.
