Five local beaches are closed due to bacteria

Following the initial closure of Swifts Beach, four more local beaches have been closed due to elevated bacteria counts, according to Patrick MacDonald, director of the Wareham Health Department.

Swifts Beach, Point Independence and three semi-public beaches maintained by neighborhood associations have now been closed for swimming, MacDonald said. 

Another set of water-quality samples were dropped off for testing today and the health department is hoping for good results tomorrow, June 8.

MacDonald believes the elevated bacteria could be due to the rain on Tuesday, July 4. 

Due to the bacteria count, swimming is not allowed, as ingestion of the water can cause illness.

According to the state, such illnesses include gastrointestinal problems like nausea and vomiting, respiratory distress such as coughing, sneezing or other flu-like symptoms, dermatological symptoms such a skin rashes as well as eye and ear irritation.

According to MacDonald, his department checks the bacteria count at all the beaches in Wareham on Tuesdays. 

MacDonald said his department will continue conducting tests until the water is safe again. The Health Department will provide an update when the water quality has been deemed safe. 

Shellfishing activities will not be disrupted by this advisory.

Questions or concerns can be directed to the Wareham Board of Health at 508-291-3100.