**Current Swimming Safety Status of Virginia’s Coastal Beaches: Identifying Unsafe Areas**

vermont Beaches Face Widespread cyanobacteria Alerts – Check Before you Swim

August 8, 2025 – A surge in cyanobacteria blooms has prompted health advisories for numerous swimming areas across Vermont, officials announced today. Several popular beaches are currently under “High Alert,” meaning conditions pose a meaningful risk to swimmers.

The Vermont Department of Health is actively monitoring conditions and urging residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution. As of this afternoon,the following locations are affected:

High Alert Beaches (Avoid Swimming):

North Ferrisburgh: Pleasant bay
North Hero: Carry Bay – east shore,Dunham Bay,Graveyard Point East
Panton: Whites Bay
St. Albans: Boat Launch on Hathaway Point Road, St. albans Bay Park
Swanton: Maquam Shore
Vergennes: Button Bay Lane

Low alert Beaches (Use Caution):

Charlotte: Red Rocks Park
Colchester: Stoney point
Milton: Bean’s Point North
newport City: Prouty Bay – Northeast Corner
North Hero: Kings Bay Fishing Access, Knight point State Park
St. Albans: Cohen Park, LTM 40 on Lake Champlain

The alerts stem from the presence of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. These microscopic organisms can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. Exposure can cause skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, neurological effects. Pets are particularly vulnerable and should be kept away from affected waters.

What Causes These Blooms?

Cyanobacteria thrive in warm, nutrient-rich water, especially during periods of prolonged sunshine and calm winds. Agricultural runoff, stormwater discharge, and even decaying organic matter can contribute to the conditions that fuel these blooms. Climate change is also believed to be exacerbating the problem, with warmer temperatures extending the bloom season and increasing their intensity.How Long Will advisories Last?

There is no fixed timeline for lifting advisories. Conditions can change rapidly, and beaches will only reopen when bacteria levels return to safe thresholds. The Department of Health emphasizes the importance of visually inspecting water for discoloration – a telltale sign of a bloom – before entering.

Stay Informed:

The Vermont Department of health’s Cyanobacteria Tracker provides the most up-to-date information on beach conditions: What specific bacteria levels trigger a Virginia Department of Health swimming advisory?

Virginia Beach Water Quality Reports: A Real-Time Overview

Staying informed about the safety of Virginia’s coastal beaches is crucial for a fun and healthy summer.This article provides a current assessment of swimming conditions, identifies potential hazards, and offers resources for checking beach advisories. We’ll focus on key areas like virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and the Eastern Shore, providing up-to-date facts on water quality, rip currents, and marine life concerns.

Understanding beach Advisory Levels

Virginia Department of Health (VDH) uses a tiered advisory system to communicate swimming safety. Here’s a breakdown:

no advisory: Water quality meets state and federal standards for safe swimming.

Advisory: Bacteria levels exceed recommended standards. Swimming is not prohibited, but caution is advised. Individuals with compromised immune systems, open wounds, or young children shoudl avoid swimming.

Closure: Bacteria levels are dangerously high. Swimming is prohibited to protect public health.

These advisories are typically related to enterococcus bacteria, an indicator of fecal contamination. Sources can include stormwater runoff, wildlife, and sewage overflows. Always check current advisories before entering the water.

Current Beach Advisories (as of August 9,2025,15:50 EST)

Virginia Beach – Oceanfront: Currently under a temporary advisory due to elevated bacteria levels following recent rainfall. The advisory affects the stretch of beach between 17th and 31st Streets. (source: Virginia Department of Health – Beach Advisories https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/beach-advisories/)

Sandbridge: No current advisories reported. Water quality is currently considered safe for swimming.

Eastern Shore (Chincoteague & Assateague): A permanent advisory is in place for assateague Island National Seashore due to the presence of wild horses and associated bacteria. Swimming is discouraged,notably near horse trails and watering holes. Chincoteague Island currently has no advisories.

York River State Beach: No current advisories reported.

Important Note: These conditions can change rapidly. Always verify the latest information before swimming.

identifying Unsafe Areas: Beyond bacteria Levels

While bacteria levels are a primary concern, several other factors can make a beach unsafe:

Rip Currents: These powerful currents can pull swimmers away from shore. Look for channels of churning, choppy water; differences in water color; or a line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you escape the current, then swim towards the beach.

Jellyfish & stingrays: Jellyfish blooms are common in Virginia waters, particularly during warmer months. Stingrays often bury themselves in the sand. Shuffle your feet while wading to avoid stepping on them.

Sharp objects: Broken glass, shells, and other debris can cause injuries. Wear water shoes for added protection.

Red Tide (Harmful Algal Blooms): Though less frequent, red tide events can occur, producing toxins harmful to humans and marine life. Avoid swimming in areas with discolored water or dead fish.

Thunderstorms: Lightning strikes are a serious threat. Leave the water promptly if you hear thunder.

Resources for Checking Beach conditions

Here are essential resources for staying informed:

Virginia department of Health (VDH) Beach Advisories: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/beach-advisories/ – Official source for current advisories and closures.

virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS): https://www.vims.edu/ – Provides information on water quality monitoring and harmful algal blooms.

National Weather Service – Rip Current Forecast: https://www.weather.gov/ – Check for rip current risk levels.

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