Beach Bacteria Warnings Disrupt Fourth of July Plans Nationwide

As Americans gear up for a sun-soaked Independence Day weekend, a dampener has hit the shores: high bacteria levels are plaguing beaches nationwide, threatening to turn holiday plans into a health hazard.

From coast to coast, public health officials are sounding the alarm. Vibrio, a sneaky bacterium thriving in coastal waters, is the culprit behind potential fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps, as noted by the CDC. It’s not the kind of souvenir anyone wants from a beach trip.

On the West Coast, San Diego officials have slapped warnings and closures on several popular beaches, citing bacteria levels that exceed health standards. Over in the East, Long Island’s Suffolk County has shut down spots like Benjamin Beach and Ronkonkoma Beach for bathing, with similar advisories in Nassau County linked to stormwater runoff after heavy rains.

Massachusetts isn’t spared either, with nearly 20 beaches closed as of midweek due to unsafe bacterial counts. Washington state has flagged seven beaches in King County, while Illinois lists a staggering 34 advisories. Michigan, too, reports closures and contamination alerts, blaming wildlife and stormwater for the mess.

With the CDC estimating 80,000 Vibrio infections annually, this holiday weekend might require a rethink. So, before you pack that beach towel, check local advisories—because the only waves you want to catch are the safe ones.