Swift Beach remains closed due to excess bacteria
Jul 3, 2023
A swimming advisory sign at Swifts Beach.
Swifts Beach remains closed to swimming following additional testing by the Wareham Health Department.
On Tuesday, June 27, a water-quality sample collected at Swifts Beach identified bacteria counts that exceed the allowable limit per the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Wareham Board of Health announced.
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 Patrick MacDonald, director of the Wareham Health Department, his department checks the bacteria count at all the beaches in Wareham on Tuesdays. This past Tuesday’s results showed an excess count of bacteria.
The state allows one retest before beach closures. However, the second test identified similar bacteria counts and the department closed the beach.
All tests following the beaches’ closure have indicated excess bacteria in the water. Another test will be taken Wednesday, July 5 and the results will be sent to the Health Department sometime Thursday.
MacDonald said his department will continue conducting tests until the water is safe again.
Following the beaches’ initial closure, some confusion occurred on the status of the water due to a sign incorrectly stating, “Water quality acceptable.”
The beach remains closed to swimming and the Health Department will provide an update when the water is ready.
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.
