SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. (AP) - All ocean beaches have reopened to swimmers in one New Jersey shore community after they were closed due to water quality concerns.
Seaside Heights officials had shuttered the beaches to bathers on Wednesday after water testing showed elevated fecal bacteria levels. But the swimming ban was ended Thursday afternoon after subsequent tests showed those levels had subsided.
Officials have said the problems were likely due to heavy rains spawned by recent severe storms or calm waters that attracted bait fish and seagulls to the beach.
Seaside Heights Mayor Anthony Vaz said this was the first time in more than 20 years that the town’s ocean beaches were closed to swimmers. The town suspended beach access fees Thursday, and everyone who came there got a free beach pass that can be used at a later date.
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