East Lyme Swimming Area Closed Due To High Bacteria

EAST LYME, CT— Boardwalk Beach (Cini Park) in East Lyme is currently closed to swimming, according to Ledge Light Health District.

The health district conducted routine bathing water sampling Monday. Swimming areas that exceeded bacteria levels set by the state included: Gorton Pond in East Lyme, Hawks Nest Beach in Old Lyme, and Boardwalk Beach.

All were posted with swimming advisories and resampled Wednesday. Results were within acceptable limits for Gorton Pond and Hawks Nest Beach, and the advisories were lifted Thursday.

However, resampling showed persistent high bacteria levels at Boardwalk Beach, which led to closure of the beach Thursday.

A second sample from the swimming area was drawn Friday and results are expected Saturday. The closure will remain in effect until the results become available, the health district said.

The health district added that "rain or other contamination events occurring before the Monday and Wednesday morning sampling may have contributed to elevated bacterial counts, especially in areas subject to storm water runoff (storm drainpipes or extensive impervious surfaces) or low water turnover (inland bathing areas)."

No additional swimming advisories or closures are in effect at any other beaches monitored by Ledge Light at this time.

For more information and a list of sample sites, visit Ledge Light Health District's website or call (860) 448-4882.