BOSTON, MA — After scorching temperatures swept through Massachusetts this week, many residents may be looking to cool off at the beach this weekend. But state health officials are warning beachgoers to check water conditions before heading out, as nearly 20 beaches across the state are currently closed due to unsafe swimming conditions.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), 19 beaches have been shut down as of Friday, June 27, due to high levels of bacteria or harmful algae blooms, which can cause a range of waterborne illnesses. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, sore throat, fever, rashes, and infections.
List of Closed Beaches:
- Andover: Pomps Pond
- Ashby: Damon Pond Beach
- Ashland: Ashland Reservoir Main Beach
- Ayer: Ayer Town Beach
- Bourne: Patuisset
- Brewster: Upper Mill Pond (Harmful Cyanobacteria Bloom)
- Danvers: Sandy Beach
- Framingham: Waushakum Beach
- Manchester: Magnolia and Tuck’s Point
- Marlborough: Henry F Collins Beach
- Natick: Cochituate State Park Beach (Harmful Cyanobacteria Bloom)
- Salem: Children’s Island – Dock
- Saugus: Peckham Pond at Camp Nihan
- Templeton: Beamans Pond – Day Use and Campground
- West Tisbury: Seth’s Pond
- Winchester: Shannon Beach at Upper Mystic
The majority of closures are due to bacterial exceedance, meaning the bacteria levels in the water have surpassed the safety thresholds set by state health officials.
Walden Pond Main Beach Closed for the Season
In addition to the temporary closures, the main beach at Walden Pond in Concord will be closed for the entire summer season. The closure is unrelated to bacteria levels and is due to a $6.1 million construction project to replace the outdated, non-ADA-compliant bathhouse, originally built in 1947.
The Red Cross Beach at Walden Pond remains open but without lifeguards and with limited parking available.
When Will the Beaches Reopen?
MDPH officials say beaches can reopen once water quality tests show bacteria levels have returned to a safe range. There is no set timeframe for reopening, as water conditions can change based on weather, tides, and other environmental factors.
Beachgoers can check the latest closure status on the state’s water quality dashboard, which is updated twice daily at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
