The Department of Planning and Natural Resources said on Friday that three of the territory’s beaches — all located in St. Thomas — are not safe for swimming and fishing this weekend, while seven — three on St. Croix and four in St. Thomas — could not be tested because, according to D.P.N.R., “access to them or the use of their waters pose a risk to health and safety, and therefore the water quality at these beaches is unknown.”
The beaches that were not tested this weekend are: Rainbow, Stoney Ground and Chenay Bay on St. Croix. And Frenchman’s Bay, Hull Bay, Limetree and Morning Star in St. Thomas.
The beaches that were deemed unsafe for swimming and fishing are: Lindbergh Bay, Water Bay and Bolongo Bay.
All other beaches were cleared as safe for swimming and fishing. They include:
St. Thomas: Lindquist, Magen’s Bay, Vessup Bay, Bluebeards, Coki Point, Sapphire, Brewer’s Bay and Secret Harbor.
St. Croix: Cramer Park ,Pelican Cove (Comorant), Cane Bay, Frederiksted Public Beach, Dorsch, Princess, Condo Row, Shoy’s, Halfpenny, Spratt Hall, Protestant Cay, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Buccaneer, Columbus Landing and Grapetree Bay.
St. John: Cruz Bay, Oppenheimer, Great Cruz Bay, Frank Bay and Johnson 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, according to D.P.N.R.
The government department/agency said it will continue to monitor these popular swimming areas. D.P.N.R. also recommends that beachgoers use their own 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.
Tags: beach advisory, us virgin islands
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