Swimmers, beware of bacteria

WASHINGTON - Beaches across the country closed or posted warnings to swimmers a record number of times last year because of high levels of harmful bacteria, evidence communities should do more to keep vacation beaches clean and safe, according to a national environmental group.

The Natural Resources Defense Council's annual "Testing the Waters" guide portrays the nation's favorite beaches as increasingly susceptible to contamination from storm water runoff, sewage spills and other sources of pollution.

"We are still not doing everything possible to protect the public," said Nancy Stoner, director of the group's Clean Water Project. "Pollutants continue to foul our waters, threatening human and ecological health."

Tamika Humphreys, a 31-year-old City of Poughkeepsie resident, views the measures to close beaches as a blessing.

"At least I know," said Humphreys, who has been swimming at beaches in Long Island and Florida.

The report, to be released today, analyzed data collected by state and local government officials and compiled by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

The report, considered the most authoritative analysis of government testing at ocean and freshwater beaches, shows just how vulnerable beaches are to pollutants flushed through storm pipes, many of which empty directly into the ankle-deep water where children play.
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