SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. (AP) - All ocean beaches are closed to swimmers in one New Jersey shore community due to water quality concerns.
Seaside Heights Mayor Anthony Vaz says testing found elevated fecal bacteria levels in the waters. He says the problems are likely due to heavy rains spawned by recent severe storms or calm waters that attracted bait fish and seagulls to the beach.
The closures implemented Thursday don’t apply to the town’s bay beaches. Vaz says the ocean beaches will likely reopen to swimmers on Friday.
Vaz says this is the first time in more than 20 years that the town’s ocean beaches were closed to swimmers. The town suspended beach access fees Thursday, and everyone who came there got a free beach pass that can be used at a later date.
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