King’s Beach reopens to swimmers

LYNN – After nearly four weeks of consistently high bacteria levels in the waters off King’s Beach, it’s now safe to go back into the water, according to the Department of Conservation and Recreation.Warning signs first popped up along the sandy shore July 1, cautioning beachgoers to refrain from taking a dip due to high levels of enterococcus, a potentially sickening bacteria.If ingested, the bacteria could cause a gastrointestinal-like distress, so DCR officials suggested people lounge on the beach when levels soar out of control instead of taking a swim.Heavy rains often trigger high levels of bacteria, which wash contaminants from city streets and sidewalks into the water.Typically, the bacteria is flushed out after two full tide cycles, or 24 hours. Additional rainfall, however, can slow the process.Beachgoers can call the DCR beach water quality hotline at 617-626-4972 for up to date information on area beaches.