6 Beverly Beaches Closed To Swimming For High Bacteria Levels

BEVERLY, MA — The number of Beverly beaches closed to swimmers grew to six on Friday as bacteria levels spiked amid the warmest weather of the season.

The city said that as of Friday the Dane Street Beach, Brackenbury Beach, Independence Beach, Mingo Beach, Obear Park and Rice's Beach were all closed to swimming because of unsafe water conditions.

The next testing of the beaches will not occur until next week so they will be closed through the weekend.

Some of the beaches have been off-limits for swimming for more than a week.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, most swim-related illnesses are associated with disease-causing organisms that are linked to fecal contamination.

Indicator organisms are used to predict the presence of pathogens associated with this fecal contamination. Enteric bacteria are indicator organisms found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans often associated with fecal contamination.

The bacteria used as indicator organisms to test the waters at beaches are Enterococci and E. coli. Marine beaches are tested for the presence of Enterococci. Freshwater beaches are tested either for the presence of E. coli or Enterococci.

An elevated presence of these organisms indicates the water may not be safe for human or animal consumption or contact.

This contamination often comes from stormwater runoff during heavy rain, leaking pipes or septic systems, and pet and wildlife waste.

Swimming in unsafe waters may result in illnesses with the following characteristics:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
• Respiratory symptoms - sore throat, cough, runny nose, and sneezing
• Dermatological symptoms - skin rash and itching
• Eye and ear symptoms - irritation, earache, itching
• Flu-like symptoms - fever and chills

Most of these symptoms are minor, but occasionally a more serious illness may occur. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for developing serious systems.

Some beach areas may remain open for recreational activities, though any contact with the water is strongly discouraged.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)