Officials urge caution at Kings Beach

LYNN – A high level of enterococcus has taken up residence in the waters off Kings Beach in Lynn, prompting the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to warn beachgoers of the potentially sickening bacteria.According to DCR spokeswoman Wendy Fox, warning signs posted at the beach over the weekend are still in effect.”Heavy rains most likely washed contaminants into the water, so everything from the streets and sidewalks drains into the water and causes the bacteria,” she said. “It’s a public beach, so people can still go in the water, but we’re warning them that it might not be a good idea.”Fox said the bacteria could cause a gastrointestinal-like distress to those who come in contact with the contaminated water, and suggested lounging on the sand instead of frolicking in the water.”We test the water weekly, but if there is a high bacteria count, the water will be tested daily,” she said. “It depends totally on the weather, but it usually takes two full tide cycles, or 24 hours to clear.”Aside from the testing, Fox said DCR has alerted lifeguards about the bacteria and red flags have been posted on the beach to warn swimmers.”You can still lie in the sand and read a book, but I would err on the side of caution with going in the water,” she said. “It’s hard to tell when the warning will be lifted, because we test at 10 a.m. in the morning, but if there is a huge downpour that afternoon, it could affect the water quality again.”Other beaches around the state on alert include: Sandy Beach in Newport, Carson Beach in South Boston, Tenean Beach in Dorchester, Wollaston Beach in Quincy, and Regatta Point in Quinsigamond Park in Worcester.