Fecal Bacteria Puts 2 More NJ Beaches Under Watch

Just because we are staring down the last few weeks of summer, doesn't mean we can stop worrying about whether or not our swimming waters are contaminated near the Jersey Shore.

Over the past few weeks, we've seen a record number of beaches close their swimming areas due to bacterial contamination.

READ MORE: 18 NJ Beaches Ban Swimming Ahead Of Hurricane Erin

What Is Enterococcus Bacteria?

Specifically, fecal bacteria called Enterococcus, which is typically found in human and animal feces as well as sewage, yuck!

Health Risks of Swimming in Contaminated Water

It's the last thing you want to accidentally ingest while swimming because it can cause severe illness and intense digestive distress.

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Even if you don't swallow contaminated water, but get it in a fresh wound or even a fresh piercing, it can have devastating results.

2025 Sees a Spike in Beach Closures Across NJ

In 2025 alone, we've seen a record number of beaches close their swimming areas for a period of time because of this bacteria.

Beachwood Beach has closed almost every summer because of this, and even in my town of Ocean Gate, or swimming area was closed for a few days because of this bacteria.

From Keyport to Sea Isle City, Closures Spread

We also say beaches from as far North as Keyport all the way down to Sea Isle City ban swimming for a spell because of this contamination, more on that here.

New Concerns at Asbury Park and Barnegat Light

It now appears as though two more beaches at the shore are falling victim to potential bacteria that could lead to a closure of the swimming areas.

According to APP, in Asbury Park at the 7th Avenue beach, and in Barnegat Light at the 25th street bayfront beach, an increased level of bacteria was detected.

Beaches Remain Open, But With Warnings

At this point in time, the beaches are still open to the public, and you can still swim, but you are urged to use increased caution.

Personally, I'm not going to risk it until we get the all clear, but that's just me.