The Sandwich Health Department is advising the community that weekly testing of the salt and freshwater bathing beaches has been occurring and that the bathing beaches are well below maximum contaminant levels for E. Coli and Enterococcus.  All bathing beaches meet swimming water quality.

Beach goers should also be aware that as the water temperatures warm there is the chance of Swimmer Itch, which is caused by parasites associated with duck feces. Swimmers Itch appears as a skin rash that itches.  Please contact your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms because a prescription is needed.

Beach goers and dog walkers should also be aware of Cyanobacteria also known as Blue Green Algae,  which can occur as water temperatures warm.  Cyanobacteria will appear to resemble a green paint in the water. Ingestion of Cyanobacteria can cause serious illness for you and your pet. 

Additional information about cyanobacteria is available at https://www.mass.gov/lists/algae-information