Oxford’s Jackson Cove Not An Option To Cool Off During Heat Wave

OXFORD, CT - With temperatures hitting the mid-90s this week one of the places that people from Oxford would normally head to cool off - a swim at Jackson Cove Beach - is still not an option.

The Pomperaug District Department of Health recommended a few weeks that that the Town of Oxford close the Jackson Cove Beach for swimming until further notice.

The beach has been closed for swimmers for awhile - and there is no word on when it will reopen.

The presence of cyanobacteria, aka blue-green algae, was observed beginning on August 3rd by the Pomperaug District Department of Health. On August 8th, the bloom was significantly worse.

In certain circumstances, especially in warm weather the algae may bloom and normally clear water becomes markedly turbid. During that period of increased turbidity the blue-green algae can contain a mix of toxins.

Contact or ingestion with blue-green algae may cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms. It is possible that respiratory irritation may occur by being in or near the water. Ingestion of relatively large amounts of algae-tainted water may cause serious harm.

Swimming, wading, water skiing, jet skiing, wind surfing, and similar activities pose high risk for contact with the tainted water and should be restricted at the Jackson Cove Beach Park. Boating activities with limited water contact may pose a moderate risk. Warning signs have been posted in regard to water contact.

Any questions contact the Pomperaug Health District at 203-264-9616 or the Town of Oxford Recreation Department.