Marblehead Beach Closed To Swimming Amid September Heat Surge

MARBLEHEAD, MA — A Marblehead beach was closed to swimming on Tuesday as temperatures rose toward 90 degrees amid a late-summer heat surge.

The Marblehead Health Department said that Gas House Beach was off-limits to swimming because of high bacteria levels. High bacteria levels are considered an indicator of fecal contamination often caused by stormwater runoff, sewer leaks and other factors.

An elevated presence of these organisms indicates the water may not be safe for human or animal
consumption or contact and cause symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal pain to eye and ear discomfort to flu-like symptoms.

Most of these symptoms are minor, but occasionally a more serious illness may occur. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for developing serious symptoms.

Some beach areas may remain open for recreational activities, though any contact with the water is strongly discouraged.

The Health Department said Devereux Beach, Crocker Park and Grace Oliver Beach, which was previously also closed because of excessive bacteria, were all also tested and reopened to swimming.

Gas House Beach will be tested again on Wednesday with the results posted on Thursday along with any other updated alerts and warnings.

Those with any questions are invited to contact Director of Public Health Andrew Petty at 781-631-0212.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)