Local News

Popular Cape Cod beach closed to swimming due to high bacteria

Cape Cod National Seashore will continue monitoring the Wellfleet beach for bacteria counts.

A boy jumps over a wave at Marconi Beach at the Cape Cod National Seashore. Bill Greene/ Globe Staff

July 17, 2024

One of Cape Cod’s most admired beaches is temporarily closed to swimming.

According to a Facebook post on Tuesday from the Cape Cod National Seashore, Marconi Beach in Wellfleet is temporarily closed to swimming due to bacteria levels that exceed standards. An alert is also on the Seashore’s website.

The post says samples collected by Seashore staff prompted the closing. The Seashore will provide updates as more samples are collected.

Marconi Beach is on the Atlantic Ocean side. It is known for its spectacular ocean views, large dunes, and miles of open beach that stretch north and south from the parking lot.

Parking fees continue to be collected, and the beach is open, according to the National Seashore.

The state Department of Public Health’s Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard allows users to track beach closures across Massachusetts.

According to the dashboard, Keyes Memorial Beach, also known as Sea Street in Barnstable, and Vernon Street Beach in Yarmouth are closed due to bacterial levels exceeding standards.

Longnook in Truro remains closed due to erosion that has caused safety concerns. In Nantucket, meanwhile, southern-facing beaches were closed to swimming following an incident Saturday that resulted in a damaged Vineyard Wind turbine sending “floating debris and sharp fiberglass shards” ashore. Those beaches have since reopened.