Headed to the beach? Check for poop before you stick in your feet!
We’ve had some very warm and sunny days recently — that’s right, summer is almost here! You might be heading to a beach soon to dip your toes in or splash in cool refreshing water. A day at the beach is relaxing and fun; however, there is a small chance visiting the beach could make you sick from fecal (poop) bacteria. We want to help you have a safe and memorable day at the beach.
Don’t let beach poop ruin your day
You can avoid getting ill at the beach by checking our beach swimming map before you go. We update the status of all the beaches we monitor every week to help you plan your trip to the beach.
If a beach has high levels of fecal bacteria, we work with local health districts to report advisories or closures, as needed. Our partners also post advisory signs at the beach, so look for them before you play in the water.
Whether or not a beach is closed to swimming and water contact, it's a good idea to take precautions. Wash your hands before eating, especially if you've been playing in the sand, and shower after swimming at a beach.
Stay up to date every summer
Join our email list to receive our latest Fecal Matters newsletter updates via e-mail.
We also share information about closures and advisories on Twitter, Facebook, and our website. Follow us to get the latest beach closure news.