If you live in any of these East Coast states, you might have to find a new way to cool off this summer.
According to Newsweek, officials in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia have issues with swimming bans at several beaches after recent evaluations of the water and beaches were deemed unsafe and unhealthy to beachgoers.
Why Are the States Banning Swimming?
Authorities are investigating the source of medical waste, which includes hypodermic needles, that washed up onshore.
The Maryland Park Service banned swimming, wading, and surfing at Assateague State Park after rangers discovered needles, needle caps, feminine hygiene products, and cigar tips scattered across the beach.
Mayland’s Department of Emergency Management elevated the state’s activation level to “partial” in support of the incident.
The discovery was made over the weekend, prompting officials to act fast to protect the public. According to Gregg Bortz, the spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the beaches will remain closed until further notice.
Looking for the Source of the Serious Problem
Joe Theobald, Ocean City’s Emergency Services Director, called the ongoing situation serious, and officials are working to trace the source with the help of the Worcester County Health Department.
“Until we are confident that the situation is under control, we recommend wearing shoes on the beach and avoiding the ocean entirely,” Theobald said.
The efforts to reopen the beaches and reduce the waste quickly have the city working hard to significantly decrease the amount of medical waste on the beach and in the water.
In Delaware, beachgoers are also being advised to avoid the beaches from the Indian River Inlet to Fenwick Island, hoping to keep residents away from the medical waste. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) issued a statement that confirmed the discovery of waste, although it was minimal compared to Maryland’s Assateague State Park.
“Despite the low level of waste observed, DNREC is taking the situation seriously and advising caution,” the agency said.
No Injuries Reported Yet
Fenwick Island officials have closed the beach for swimming and announced the inspections will determine whether or not the beaches will reopen before the end of the week.
Luckily, there have been no reports of injuries or of people encountering these items while swimming.
“There have been no reports of injuries or people encountering these items while swimming,” Bortz said.
Hoping to reduce the risk as much as possible, officials are working with other local, state, and federal agencies to determine when it will be safe for people to enter the water.
