Swimmers Warned About Fecal Bacteria in Maine Beaches

Yes, this is true. It's hard to believe for me as well, but apparently, this is a thing. There is poop on Maine beaches, and officials are sending out warnings as we speak.

According to WGME, it's not just sunscreen you need to worry about this summer. For all Maine beachgoers, officials are urging swimmers to check bacteria levels before dipping your toes into the inviting waters.

Yes, you heard that right. It’s time to play a new beach game called "Dodge the Poo Water."

I love Willard Beach in South Portland, but as the article says, it had 15 poo advisories last summer.

City officials in South Portland say that higher bacteria levels can occur after rainfall due to the runoff from fertilizers and pet poop, according to the article. This is also due to rising temperatures.

The beach waters have apparently become a hot spot for bacteria. But don’t panic, because this isn’t a plot for a horror film. It’s just a reminder to make sure you are aware of the water quality.

According to the article, lifeguards are testing the waters regularly to let swimmers know if it's okay to jump in. And you will see signs if the waters levels are too high.

Fred Dillon from the South Portland Stormwater program says,

That consists of our lifeguards collecting water quality samples testing for bacteria twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays and if they find if the bacteria is above the swimming threshold, they will resample again to see if the water is fine and safe to swim in.

Check out the Maine Healthy Beaches portal to check the daily beach bacteria levels and ensure a healthy swim for you and your family at Maine beaches.

You will be able to see if there are any elevated bacteria advisories at current Maine Beaches. I went ahead and clicked on the link, and it took me to one warning at Long Sands Beach in York.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and don't swim in poo.