Latest Samples Clear Atlantic Beach for Swimming Again

For the latest updates on all beach closures, call the Rhode Island Department of Health Beach Hotline Number: (401) 222-2751.

The waters off the Atlantic Beach Club shore are safe for swimming again.

That was the latest word from the state Department of Health as of 6 pm Thursday night, following a one-day beach closure due to concerns over elevated levels of enterococci bacteria, commonly found in sewage that can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and skin infections after contact with open cuts or wounds.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH) recommended the most recent closure of the Atlantic Beach Club swimming area, based in part on the history of the spike in bacteria counts that have followed the majority of heavy rainfalls, as well as a recent lab result that caused some concern, said Annemarie Beardsworth, the state health department spokesperson.

A recent sampling taken Aug. 16 showed the presence of enterococci, which are anaerobic organisms that do not require oxygen for metabolism, but can survive in oxygen-rich environments such as  storm water. The bacteria is commonly linked to fecal coliform often found in city sewage. Health risks associated with the bacteria often include gastrointestinal illness, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as infections to any open cuts or wounds. According to online medical journals, other links have been drawn to various infections such as urinary tract infections, bacteremia, bacterial endocarditis, diverticulitis, and meningitis. 

"The bacteria they did find was enterococci, but we also recommend closing the beach preventively after any heavy rainfall there that gets an inch or more of rain," said Beardsworth. "It doesn't mean that someone will definitely contract one of those illnesses, but the potential is there for increased contaminants, based on what we know from past history."

For salt water, test results can range from less than 10 to more than 24,198.

"A beach is considered safe for swimming when there is a result that is less than 104," explained Beardsworth, adding, "There is a more recent test result from Atlantic Beach Club that was taken by the beach and their result was 238, so thus, the closure."

The beach at the Atlantic Beach Club pavilion is located near storm drains that divert more contaminants to the swimming waters after heavy rains.

"If you think of everything that goes into storm drains and there's only one outlet, there's only one place to go and that's near the beach," said Beardsworth.

Due to a hot, dry summer, the closure was the second of the year, according to DOH statistics collected for the beach.

The state health department recommended that Atlantic Beach Club Beach remain closed Thursday, Aug. 18, 2010.

While rain is outside everyone's control, Beardsworth said residents can help prevent storm drain water from contaminating Atlantic Beach by not disposing of pet waste in local storm drains, a big contributor of enterococci.

DOH officials encourage the public to call the beach hotline before visiting beaches, especially in the days following heavy rains. For the most up-to-date beach closings, please visit the Department of Health web site or call (401) 222-2751.