NEWS ALERT: Americans’ Fourth of July weekend plans are being ruined as dozens of beaches across the nation close.
The bombshell decision came from health officials who are shutting down popular destinations from coast to coast due to high bacteria levels that could make swimmers sick.
Beaches in California, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Illinois, and Michigan have all reported elevated levels of dangerous bacteria in their waters.
The bacteria in question, including Vibrio and E. coli, can cause serious illness for swimmers who dare to venture into the contaminated waters.
Suffolk County officials on Long Island have closed multiple beaches, including Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore, Ronkonkoma Beach, and Sayville Marina Park Beach.
“Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore, Ronkonkoma Beach in the Town of Islip, and Sayville Marina Park Beach in Sayville are closed to bathing due to the finding of bacteria at levels in excess of acceptable criteria,” Suffolk County health officials stated.
They added that “bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.”
In Massachusetts, the situation is even worse with over 20 beaches closed to swimming.
Michigan has shut down nine beaches and issued contamination advisories for four others.
🚨 🇺🇸 TOXIC BACTERIA OUTBREAK SHUTS DOWN BEACHES FROM NEW YORK TO SEATTLE BEFORE JULY 4TH
Swimmers from New York to Washington are facing closures as bacteria surge in coastal waters.
Massachusetts shut 19 beaches.
Long Island, Illinois, and Michigan posted bans at popular… https://t.co/C4JRCkc62D pic.twitter.com/mDEazr3b6Q
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 1, 2025
Washington’s King County has closures not only due to bacteria but also because of toxic algae, creating a double threat to would-be swimmers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Vibrio are bacteria that naturally live in certain coastal waters. They are found in higher numbers in May through October, when water temperatures are warmer.”
Bacterial levels tend to rise after heavy rainfall, which causes stormwater runoff to enter beach areas.
Nassau County officials warned, “Stormwater runoff may have impacted water quality at 3 South Shore beaches.”
“As a precaution, NCDOH is advising against swimming at these locations. Stormwater runoff can raise bacteria levels, possibly exceeding NYS standards for safe bathing,” they added.
The timing could not be worse for American families who have been planning their Independence Day celebrations for weeks or even months.
Instead of enjoying a refreshing swim after watching fireworks, many beachgoers will be restricted to the sand or forced to find alternative activities.
The CDC reports a staggering 80,000 cases of Vibrio infection annually, and symptoms can include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
For those determined to visit beaches this weekend, health officials recommend checking local county government websites for updates on closures and advisories before heading out.
