This Labor Day weekend, many coastal destinations from Maine to Florida are issuing warnings—and in some cases, shutting down—due to elevated levels of fecal bacteria in the water. Authorities cite water quality risks, especially at popular spots like Cape Cod, Long Island, and even beaches in Hawaii.
Environmental analysts note that the issue is far from isolated: over 60% of U.S. beaches experienced at least one day of unsafe contamination levels in past testing, often triggered by aging sewage infrastructure, storm runoff, and rapid urbanization.
Swimming in affected waters carries health risks including gastrointestinal illness, rashes, and respiratory issues. Officials advise beachgoers to check local alerts before heading out—particularly those with health vulnerabilities.