Record Number Of Massachusetts Beaches Were Closed This Weekend

Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio

DORCHESTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — With sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s, it was perfect beach weather this weekend.

The only problem is there was a record number of beaches closed to swimming in Massachusetts due to high bacteria levels.

On Friday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health posted 51 beaches that were closed, a record high for the season.

Officials say the elevated levels of potentially harmful bacteria are due to unexpected bacteria blooms.

Coming into contact with that water can cause health issues in both humans and animals that include gastrointestinal distress and skin rashes.

This dog walker in Dorchester said she has to make sure her dog, who loves the water, is staying clear of affected waterways. "She typically goes on trail walks stopping at a pond in West Newbury after the walk for a swim," she said. "But she hasn't been able to do that for a while giving her much more energy at home."

Massachusetts DPH says it will continue to publish and update the daily list of beach closures, while encouraging people to follow any warning signs posted at affected beaches.

WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.

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