Rehoboth, Bethany close to swimmers Mon. due to medical waste, following Dewey and Fenwick

This story has been updated to include new information from Rehoboth and Bethany officials.

Rehoboth and Bethany beaches announced their closures to swimmers on Monday, joining Dewey Beach and Fenwick Island after medical waste began washing ashore Sunday .

"The Rehoboth Beach Patrol and city staff will monitor the beach throughout the day for any signs of medical waste as has been reported at other nearby beaches," city spokesperson Lynne Coan said. Though she originally said the beach was closed primarily due to rough surf, later, Coan said staff had found two needles on the beach.

A statement from Bethany Beach officials said only that the beach was closed to swimmers "due to reports of medical waste found washed ashore."

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control said in a Facebook post Sunday afternoon they had received reports of medical waste on the beach from the Indian River Inlet to Fenwick Island. Social media users reported collecting a myriad of small pieces of non-medical trash, mostly plastic, as well.

"For your safety, we advise visitors leave the beach and refrain from swimming at this time," the post said.

Where the waste is coming from, as well as when beaches will reopen to swimmers, is unknown. If you find medical waste on Delaware beaches, report it to DNREC's Environmental Hotline at 1-800-662-8802.

Swimming closures also were issued Sunday in Ocean City and Assateague Island State Park in Maryland and Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland and Virginia. Signs at Assateague Island State Park warned beachgoers needles had been found on the beach.

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Rough surf like in Rehoboth is also prevalent on Delmarva beaches today. Rehoboth Beach Patrol Capt. Jeff Giles said they are experiencing rip tides and 4- to 5-foot waves.

"When you get a sustained wind out of the northeast like we are, that just kicks it up," Giles said.

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Rehoboth, Bethany close to swimmers Mon. due to medical waste, following Dewey and Fenwick