NEWS ALERT: Millions of Americans are facing an unprecedented crisis after health authorities upended their plans for the Fourth of July.
Specifically, dozens of beaches across the nation have been shut down for the holiday weekend due to “high bacteria levels.”
Beaches in California, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Illinois, and Michigan are facing advisories or complete closures due to bacterial contamination.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have raised the alarm about Vibrio bacteria.
Vibrio thrives in warmer waters from May to October and can cause symptoms including diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
In New York, more than a dozen Suffolk County beaches on Long Island are under swimming advisories.
Nassau County officials have issued advisories for Hewlett Point, Island Park, and Phillip Healey Beach, after “heavy rainfall.”
Suffolk County went even further by completely closing Benjamin Beach, Ronkonkoma Beach, and Sayville Marina Park Beach.
County health officials revealed that these beaches have been “closed to bathing due to the finding of bacteria at levels in excess of acceptable criteria.”
Authorities in areas in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington state have shut down some beaches ahead of the July 4 weekend due to high levels of bacteria. pic.twitter.com/xJ9y1ZQYF1
— NTD News (@NTDNews) July 3, 2025
Massachusetts residents face even more restrictions, with nearly two dozen beaches closed for swimming.
Michigan has closed nine beaches while issuing contamination advisories for four others.
Washington’s King County beaches are closed due to what officials claim is “high bacteria and toxic algae.”
San Diego County in California has issued advisories for “possible high bacteria levels” at several beaches.
Storm runoff has contributed to these elevated bacteria levels, so Americans are advised to check water safety before swimming during the Independence Day weekend.
The CDC reports 80,000 cases of Vibrio infection every year. The agency is now instructing citizens to make informed decisions before swimming.
For Americans determined to celebrate Independence Day at the beach, officials recommend checking local county government websites for updates.
For families whose Fourth of July plans have been disrupted by these widespread closures, inland celebrations at lakes, parks, and backyard barbecues remain available options.
