The Department of Planning and Natural Resources on Friday announced its weekly beach advisory, making known that four beaches were not safe for swimming and fishing this weekend.
The unsafe beaches are Bolongo Bay and Vessup Bay in St. Thomas, and Half Penny Beach and Rainbow Beach on St. Croix. The beaches were deemed unsafe because they exceeded the established enterococci bacteria threshold.
All other beaches were deemed safe for swimming and fishing, including the following:
St. Croix: Stoney Ground, Protestant Cay, Buccaneer, Cramer Park, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Dorsch, Frederiksted Public Beach, Pelican Cove (Comorant), Shoy’s, Cane Bay, Chenay Bay, Princess (Condo Row), A – Mill Harbour, Princess (Condo Row) and B – Breezez Grapetree Bay.
St. Thomas: Lindquist, Coki Point, Brewer’s Bay, Bluebeards, Secret Harbor, Sapphire, Water Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, Hull Bay, Lindbergh Bay and Magen’s Bay.
St. John: Oppenhiemer, Johnson Bay, Frank Bay, Cruz Bay and Great Cruz Bay.
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 DPNR.
The department, led by Commissioner Dawn L. Henry, says it will continue to monitor these popular swimming areas. DPNR 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.
Tags: beach advisory, us virgin islands
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