Bay Staters looking to cool off during this brutal heat wave could be out of luck at several state-run beaches.
As temps spike into the 90s across the region, many Department of Conservation and Recreation beaches are closed due to high bacteria levels and other water quality issues.
The state’s “Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard” has a lengthy list of closures amid the heat wave.
“If a beach is closed, do not swim or enter the water at that location to avoid risk of illness,” the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s website reads.
One of those beaches with “Do Not Swim” flags is Houghton’s Pond in Milton. The DCR beach is closed due to “bacterial exceedance,” but swimmers were spotted there on Wednesday ignoring the “Do Not Swim” flags as it felt close to 100 degrees out.
The Boston DCR closed beaches were Savin Hill and Tenean — both due to bacterial exceedance.
The legendary Walden Pond in Concord was also listed on the closure list for high bacteria levels. Meanwhile, the beach there will be underwater until at least the fall after last year’s heavy rains, according to officials.
“This summer, there’s not going to be much of a beach here at Walden Pond because of the rain that we got last year,” said Kyle Griffiths, a DCR visitor services supervisor.
The kettle hole pond has no outlets to any other bodies of water, and it’s the lowest point in the surrounding area.
Last year, 60 inches of rain dropped into Walden Pond, compared to the usual 50 inches.
“By April, the beach was pretty much gone,” Griffiths said.
“The only way for water to vanish is evaporation, and that takes awhile,” DCR’s Ryan Hutton added.
Officials are asking Walden beachgoers to consider other DCR swimming areas this summer. They’re telling people to check the “Find A Park” webpage for alternatives.
Folks who frequent the beaches at Walden Pond may want to search for a new spot to beat the heat this summer! The beach will be underwater until at least the fall after last year's heavy rains. But check the Find A Park webpage for alternatives near you! https://t.co/oRiTcivcS2 pic.twitter.com/mjQ1VLBobC
— MassDCR (@MassDCR) June 18, 2024
