NEWS ALERT: Americans looking forward to celebrating the Fourth of July at popular beaches are finding closures blocking their holiday plans.
The reason behind the closure of dozens of beaches across the country is high levels of bacteria.
The announcement has disrupted traditional Independence Day gatherings at coastlines in at least six states, including California, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Illinois, and Michigan.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 80,000 Americans contract Vibrio infections annually.
These bacteria are the reason for restricting beach access during one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year.
The bacteria, which naturally occur in coastal waters, thrive during warmer months from May through October, making summer celebrations a prime target for closures.
Massachusetts has been hit particularly hard, with nearly two dozen beaches closed for swimming.
In New York, Suffolk County officials have shut down Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore, Ronkonkoma Beach, and Sayville Marina Park Beach.
These beaches are “closed to bathing due to the finding of bacteria at levels in excess of acceptable criteria,” officials said.
Meanwhile, Nassau County has issued advisories for Hewlett Point, Island Park, and Phillip Healey Beach following heavy rainfall.
Toxic Bacteria Forces Beach Closures Nationwide Ahead of July 4th
From New York to Seattle, beaches and popular lakes are closing due to a surge in harmful bacteria.
Massachusetts closed 19 beaches, while Long Island, Illinois, Michigan, and Seattle also issued bans — with… pic.twitter.com/Gicz8rjj93
— Noah Christopher (@DailyNoahNews) July 1, 2025
Michigan officials have closed nine beaches and issued contamination advisories for four others.
Illinois has followed suit with several public and private beach closures, while King County in Washington has restricted access due to high bacteria and toxic algae.
Even California is affected, with San Diego County issuing advisories at popular beaches where officials say “bacteria levels exceed health standards.”
These widespread closures are forcing Americans to scramble for alternative celebration plans during one of the nation’s most important holidays.
The CDC warns that Vibrio bacteria can cause vibriosis, leading to symptoms including watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
Officials state that bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can also result in infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.
Many officials attribute storm runoff as the primary cause of elevated bacteria levels.
The Nassau County Department of Health stated, “Stormwater runoff may have impacted water quality at 3 South Shore beaches.”
“As a precaution, NCDOH is advising against swimming at these locations. Stormwater runoff can raise bacteria levels, possibly exceeding NYS standards for safe bathing,” it added.
Americans planning beach outings for Independence Day celebrations are advised to check local county government websites for closure updates before heading to the shore.
