Most of the territory’s beaches are good for swimming and fishing this weekend, with only Coki Point and Water Bay in St. Thomas not safe, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources has announced.
Also, the following beaches were not tested and therefore their water quality, D.P.N.R. said, is unknown: Stoney Ground, Princess Condo Row and Grapetree Bay on St. Croix; Frenchman’s Bay on St. Thomas; and Johnson Bay on St. John.
All other waters were deemed safe.
St. Croix: Cramer’s Park, Shoy’s, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Buccaneer, Chenay Bay, Halfpenny, Dorsch, Frederiksted Public Beach, Cane Bay, Pelican Cove (Comorant), Rainbow, Protestant Cay, Sprat Hall and Columbus Landing.
St. Thomas: Lindquist, Magen’s Bay, Secret Harbor, Lindbergh Bay, Brewer’s Bay, Hull Bay , Vessup Bay, Bluebeards, Bolongo Bay and Sapphire.
St. John: Frank Bay, Cruz Bay, Oppenheimer and Great Cruz Bay.
D.P.N.R. said 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.
The agency says 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.
For additional information regarding water quality call the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-1082 on St. Croix.
Tags: beach advisory, usvi
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