High Bacteria Levels Close Loop Beach In Barnstable For Swimming

BARNSTABLE, MA — Barnstable town officials closed Loop Beach for swimming Thursday after water quality tests showed high levels of bacteria in the water.

The tests came from two samples taken on two consecutive days. Town officials said they will retest the water at the beach Friday to see if it can reopen for swimming.

Cyanobacteria is also still affecting several ponds in Barnstable. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can cause skin irritation or illness in both people and animals if touched or ingested, especially in pets and children. The blooms can be deadly for pets.

Lovell's Pond remains closed to swimming due to high levels of the cyanobacteria.

There's also warnings in place at the following ponds:

• Long Pond
• Bearse Pond
• Shubael's Pond
• Parker's Pond.

Anyone who comes in contact with contaminated water should rinse their skin with clean water as soon as possible and take a shower and wash their clothes once at home.

If a pet gets the water on them, clean them as soon as possible and do not allow them to lick the algae off their fur. Monitor for any signs of poisoning, which can include loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water.

Even after the algae is no longer visible in the water, the toxins can still be present.