Nearly 100 Beaches Across the U.S. Are Closed: Is Your Vacation Spot One of Them?

Summer is the season to earn travel rewards when you take a road trip or jet set to the destination of your choice. In many cases, this includes a stop at the beach, where sun, sand, and surf await.

However, spending time at the beach this year may be easier said than done in some locations. Nearly 100 beaches across the U.S. are closing this summer. What is the deal with these beach closures, and is your favorite spot impacted? Let's find out.

Why are beaches closing?

The culprit for some beach closures is high levels of dangerous bacteria, notably fecal waste in the water. Other closures are due to harmful levels of cyanobacteria — also known as green algae — which is also making conditions unsafe.

Shark attacks are also an issue in some areas.

Swimming in bacteria-infested water is especially dangerous for vulnerable folks such as children, older adults, and immune-compromised individuals.

Which states are seeing beach closings?

No less than 10 states have closed beaches due to high levels of bacteria. On the East Coast, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Florida have issued warnings.

In the Midwest, Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa have been impacted.

On the West Coast, California has closed beaches. Recent heavy rains in these areas and climate change are responsible for the increase in bacteria.

Will these beaches open again this summer?

If you had hopes pinned on a beach vacation this summer, don’t fret, because not all is lost. According to experts, conditions can change, and bacteria counts can drop to safer levels.

Keep an eye on your municipality’s website or check in with your local Department of Health to see which beaches have been declared safe and have reopened.

How can I tell if I should avoid a beach?

Obviously, you don’t want to swim at a beach that’s been closed for safety reasons. However, in some cases, a beach may not be safe despite remaining open.

Telltale signs to look for include drainage pipes that are actively depositing runoff into a body of water. Be mindful of water that appears murky or cloudier than it should.

Is this a one-off, or part of a bigger trend?

It’s not uncommon for beaches to close due to high bacteria levels. In fact, this happens every year in a variety of locations.

It’s also part of a bigger trend, as climate change is expected to make this phenomenon worse in the future. Warmer waters allow bacteria (and sharks) to thrive, and more rainfall means more runoff into popular swimming destinations.

How can I avoid adding to the problem?

You can do your part by taking better care of the environment in your area. This includes removing trash from beaches and ensuring you clean up after your pet properly.

You can also do your best to contribute as little as possible to climate change, such as driving less, using less plastic, and decreasing how much power you use at home.

How can I get my money back?

If you have already made vacation plans, you likely spent money on flights, hotels, and other items. But if your favorite beach is closed, you might have to cancel your trip.

Check with your hotel or airline to see if you can reschedule or obtain a refund that can help you get ahead financially . Chances are there will be some wiggle room, so it might not be a total loss for you.

Bottom line

Staying home is one sure way to save money on travel — but that’s no fun, especially when you are eager for a beach vacation. If you plan a trip, be sure to stay up to date on any beach closures that might impact your vacation plans.

You can always pivot by traveling to an area that’s not experiencing beach closures. Or, you can plan a different kind of adventure. The mountains can be lovely this time of year, for example, or you might enjoy a fun camping trip.

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