Ogunquit, Maine — As Labor Day weekend approaches, beach lovers across the nation are gearing up for a final summer outing. However, many may need to reconsider their plans due to warnings about unsafe water quality stemming from elevated fecal contamination levels at various beaches.

Advisories have been issued from Crystal River, Florida, to Ogunquit, Maine, alerting the public to the potential dangers of swimming. Authorities caution that bacteria linked to fecal waste could pose health risks, including gastrointestinal illness and skin irritations. This week, several popular beach destinations, including Keyes Memorial Beach in Massachusetts and Benjamin’s Beach in New York, have been closed or placed under advisories due to these concerning water quality levels. Even Hawaii’s Kahaluu Beach Park has reported high bacteria counts, defying its reputation for pristine shores.

This issue is not new. A recent report from the conservation group Environment America highlights a troubling trend, revealing that almost two-thirds of tested beaches nationwide reported unsafe fecal contamination levels at least once in 2024. The review encompassed coastlines and Great Lakes, showing that 84% of Gulf Coast beaches exceeded safety standards at least once, followed by 79% on the West Coast and 54% on the East Coast.

In total, over 450 beaches were flagged as potentially unsafe for swimming on a quarter or more of the days they were tested. According to experts, outdated water and sewage infrastructure plays a significant role in this ongoing contamination crisis. “We need to make the investment to ensure that our human waste doesn’t end up in our recreational waters,” said John Rumpler, a clean water advocate.

The report also notes that heightened incidences of severe weather have worsened contamination problems by overwhelming sewage systems. Urban development is compounding these issues, paving over natural areas that historically absorbed stormwater.

Despite these warnings, many beachgoers remain undeterred. Yaromyr Oryshkevych, a retired dentist visiting Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, expressed little concern about potential contamination. He reasons that the ocean’s natural currents would mitigate any issues. In contrast, Dana West, a federal employee on vacation, recalled a previous episode of illness among his party after a snorkeling trip abroad but remains optimistic about their safety during this holiday weekend.

While some beachgoers express confidence in local water quality management, not all advisories are prominently displayed. Areas like Rehoboth Bay and Dewey Beach have faced water quality warnings that may not be clearly communicated to the public. Environment America determined safety levels based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines, highlighting that fecal bacteria above certain levels can lead to illness in approximately 32 out of every 1,000 swimmers.

In North Carolina, five beaches experienced advisories in late August due to bacterial contamination. Erin Bryan-Millush, an environmental supervisor, emphasized that while the beaches remain open, swimmers must be cautious. Hurricane Erin’s recent impact and heavy summer rains have exacerbated the contamination, further complicating the public’s swimming decisions.

As the long weekend draws near, officials urge beachgoers to remain vigilant and informed about water conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday by the shore.