Six Beaches In St. Croix Not Safe This Weekend, D.P.N.R. Says; STJ And STT Good To Go

ST. CROIX — The Department of Planning and Natural Resources has warned residents against swimming and fishing in six beaches on this island, as the water quality at said beaches exceeded the established enterococci bacteria threshold considered to be safe.

The unsafe beaches are: Grapetree Bay, Cane Bay, Frederiksted Public Beach, Spratt hall, Columbus Landing and Princess (Condo Row).

The remaining beaches on St. Croix are safe, though, and residents are free to fish and swim at those locations, which include the following: Stoney Ground, Protestant Cay, Buccaneer, Cramer Park, Pelican Cove (Comorant), Shoy’s, Rainbow, Chenay Bay, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Halfpenny and Dorsch.

While St. Croix residents must be careful where they choose to fish and swim this weekend, Virgin Islanders living in St. Thomas and St. John are clear to enjoy all the beaches tested by D.P.N.R.

In St. Thomas, they are: Lindquist, Coki Point, Bluebeards, Secret Harbor, Bolongo Bay, Water Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, Sapphire, Hull Bay, Magen’s Bay, Lindbergh Bay, Brewer’s Bay and Vessup Bay. And in St. John, Johnson Bay Great Cruz Bay Cruz Bay Oppenhiemer and Frank Bay are safe.

High levels of enterococci bacteria and turbidity may be caused by runoff due to heavy rains, heavy marine vessel traffic, high wave activity near the shoreline, irresponsible recreational use, etc. Runoff can consist of sediment, pesticides, animal feces and oil & grease, all of which are harmful to the waters of the territory, says D.P.N.R..

The department, led by Commissioner Dawn L. Henry, says it will continue to monitor these popular swimming areas. D.P.N.R. also recommends that residents use their discretion when swimming or fishing at the designated beaches. If the waters appear muddy or murky or have foul odors, do not swim or fish.

For additional information regarding water quality, call the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-1082 in St. Croix.

Feature Image: Frederiksted Public Beach.

Image Credit: VIC.