After a multiple-day closure of five beaches in Wareham due to elevated levels of bacteria, two will be opening and ready for swimming Saturday, July 8, according to Patrick MacDonald, director of the Wareham Health Department.

The public beaches, Swifts Beach and Point Independence, will be reopened, but the semi-public beaches, Forbes, Pinehurst and Brairwood, will remain closed as a result of Friday, July 7, tests.  

MacDonald said his department is working on taking the signs down at the two public beaches.

He added he hopes the weather will not cause anymore closures anytime soon.

MacDonald had suspected the recent rain is what caused the elevated bacteria levels at the five beaches.

For the three semi-public beaches that remain closed, 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.

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.