As Labor Day weekend approaches, many Americans are planning to visit beaches for one last summer outing. However, swimming may not be advisable at numerous locations due to unsafe levels of fecal contamination. Beaches stretching from Crystal River, Florida, to Ogunquit, Maine, are under advisories this week, warning beachgoers about elevated bacteria levels linked to fecal waste.

These advisories typically recommend against swimming, as the bacteria can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, rashes, and nausea. Some popular beach destinations have even experienced closures, including Keyes Memorial Beach in Hyannis, Massachusetts; Benjamin's Beach on Long Island, New York; and parts of the Imperial Beach shoreline near San Diego. In Hawaii, the state health department has issued warnings about high bacteria counts at Kahaluu Beach Park on the Big Island.

This issue is not new. A report from Environment America revealed that nearly two-thirds of beaches tested nationwide in 2024 had at least one day with potentially unsafe fecal contamination levels. The report indicated that 84% of Gulf Coast beaches exceeded safety standards at least once, while 79% of West Coast beaches, 54% of East Coast beaches, and 71% of Great Lakes beaches also faced similar issues. More than 450 beaches were deemed potentially unsafe for swimming on at least 25% of the days tested.

John Rumpler, clean water director and senior attorney with Environment America, pointed to outdated water and sewer systems as a primary cause of contamination. "These beaches are a treasure for families across New England and across the country. They are a shared resource," Rumpler stated. He emphasized the need for investment to prevent human waste from contaminating swimming areas.

Other contributing factors include severe weather events that can overwhelm sewage systems and suburban development that reduces natural areas' ability to absorb stormwater. Despite these warnings, many beachgoers remain undeterred. Yaromyr Oryshkevych, a retired dentist visiting Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, expressed confidence, saying, "I really don’t expect to be in any kind of danger of fecal contamination."

Dana West, a federal worker also at Rehoboth Beach, recalled a previous experience where several members of his group fell ill after a snorkeling trip in Mexico. However, he remains optimistic about swimming in Delaware, stating, "I assume the local authorities will tell us if there are higher levels than normal."

Despite West's assurance, some nearby beaches, including Rehoboth Bay and Dewey Beach, are currently under water advisories. These warnings are not always clearly posted. Environment America's report assessed beach safety based on whether fecal bacteria levels exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards, which can indicate illness in 32 out of every 1,000 swimmers.

In North Carolina, five beaches were under advisories in late August due to elevated fecal bacteria levels. While these beaches remain open, swimmers are cautioned about potential risks, according to Erin Bryan-Millush, an environmental program supervisor with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. She noted that Hurricane Erin caused significant erosion and storm surge in some areas, and heavy rainfall this summer has worsened contamination issues. Bryan-Millush warned, "Those storm drains carry everything. It could be really bad for someone who is immune compromised."