Beachwood beach bans swimming for the rest of the summer over fecal bacteria fears

BEACHWOOD - Officials announced Thursday that Beachwood's beach along the Toms River would be closed to swimming for the remainder of the year.

The borough's mayor and council made the decision "for the safety, health and welfare of the residents and others" who use the beach, according to Beachwood's municipal website .

The beach was closed to swimming this week after high levels of Enterococci, a bacteria commonly found in the intestines and feces of humans and animals, were discovered in the water. The closure was just the latest in a string of water quality advisories and closures at the beach so far this year due to water quality concerns.

Visitors "may still sit and take in the lovely view of the scenery, but no one will be permitted to swim," borough officials said on the website.

Swimming in contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal distress and infections of the ear, nose and throat, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Enterococci contamination in rivers is frequently the result of leaker sewers, faulty septic systems, or wildlife or pet waste, according to the agency.

Commuting: NJ Transit shutting down some trains because of heat Thursday and Friday

Beachwood's beach is set into a cove-like portion of the Toms River where the water fails to circulate well and flush out bacteria, said Brian Lippai, a spokesman for the Ocean County Health Department. The health department is responsible for testing water there and at other swimming beaches around the county.

Lippai said county health officials plan to meet with Beachwood's engineers and state environmental authorities to explore their options.

"We'll see what happens moving into the future," he said.

Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 15 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Beachwood beach bans swimming for the rest of the summer over fecal bacteria fears