Massachusetts Beach Closures: A Comprehensive Guide to the Risks and Safety Measures
As of August 16, 2026, dozens of beaches across Massachusetts were closed due to elevated bacteria and harmful cyanobacteria blooms. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the closures, the risks associated with swimming in contaminated water, and safety measures to protect beachgoers.
Beach Closures by Location
The state data listed 35 beach closure locations across 23 communities, stretching from the Berkshires to Central Massachusetts, Greater Boston, the South Coast, Cape Cod, and Martha's Vineyard. Here's a breakdown of the closures:
- Amherst: Puffers Pond (Factory Hollow Pond) at Mill Street and State Street due to bacterial exceedance.
- Arlington: Arlington Reservoir due to bacterial exceedance.
- Ashby: Damon Pond Beach (DCR) for other reasons.
- Ashland: Ashland Reservoir-Main Beach (DCR) and Hopkinton Reservoir-Main Beach (DCR) due to bacterial exceedance.
- Brewster: Cliff Pond (DCR) at DYS and Main due to harmful cyanobacteria blooms.
- Chicopee: Chicopee Beach (DCR) due to harmful cyanobacteria blooms.
- Dartmouth: Moses Smith Creek due to bacterial exceedance.
- Dudley: Merino Pond due to bacterial exceedance.
- Framingham: Waushakum Beach due to bacterial exceedance.
- Holden: Eagle Lake due to bacterial exceedance.
- Hull: XYZ due to bacterial exceedance.
- Lynn: Kings (DCR) at Eastern Avenue, Kimball Road, and Pierce Road, and Lynn Shore Beach (DCR) due to bacterial exceedance.
- Newton: Crystal Lake due to bacterial exceedance.
- Pembroke: Furnace Colony due to bacterial exceedance.
- Salem: Children’s Island - Back, Children’s Island - Wally, and Juniper Point due to bacterial exceedance.
- Saugus: Peckham Pond at Camp Nihan (DCR) due to bacterial exceedance.
- Swampscott: Kings for other reasons.
- Taunton: Watsons Pond (DCR) due to bacterial exceedance.
- Tisbury: Tashmoo Beach and Tashmoo Cut for other reasons.
- Upton: Upton Town Beach due to harmful cyanobacteria blooms.
- Winchester: Shannon Beach at Upper Mystic (DCR) due to bacterial exceedance.
- Winthrop: Pico due to bacterial exceedance.
- Worcester: Coes Pond Beach (Mill Street), Indian Lake Public Beach (Sherburne Avenue), Lake Quinsigamond-Regatta Point Beach (DCR), and Shore Park due to harmful cyanobacteria blooms.
Risks of Swimming in Contaminated Water
Swimming in water with high levels of bacteria can lead to various illnesses, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sore throat, cough, skin rash, and more, according to the state health department. It's crucial to stay aware of any warnings or beach closures that indicate unsafe water conditions.
Safety Measures and Recommendations
To ensure beach safety, the following measures are recommended:
- Check the weather forecast and avoid swimming after heavy rain.
- Watch for signs of water pollution, such as discolored, fast-flowing, and strong-smelling water.
- Do not swim near trash or litter floating in the water.
- Avoid swallowing the water and swim only in designated 'swim beaches'.
- Even if a beach is closed, the public can still visit the location for activities that do not involve contact with the water, such as playing volleyball or sunbathing.
The public can also contribute to reducing contamination and pollution by:
- Cleaning up after pets.
- Refraining from feeding birds.
- Using public restrooms.
- Picking up and throwing away trash.
- Avoiding swimming when sick or feeling unwell.
- Changing diapers and using swim diapers on diapered children before entering the water.
- Avoiding the use of fertilizers and pesticides in yards.
- Using walkways and avoiding walking on dunes.
Conclusion
The beach closures in Massachusetts highlight the importance of monitoring water quality and taking precautions to protect public health. By staying informed and following safety measures, beachgoers can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing the risks associated with contaminated water.
In my opinion, this situation underscores the need for better water quality monitoring and public awareness. It's a reminder that nature can be unpredictable, and we must take responsibility for our own safety and the health of our environment.
