Over a dozen Shore beaches under advisory

TRENTON — Fifteen ocean beaches on the Jersey Shore are under an advisory for higher than normal levels of bacteria.

The likely culprit is Monday's heavy rain that picked up bacteria from geese or seagulls, resulting in testing by the state Department of Environmental Protection showing high levels of enterococci, a type of bacteria found in animal and human waste.

The water will be tested again on Wednesday. If bacteria levels remain high, the beaches will be closed per DEP policy.

The affected beaches:

Monmouth County:

• 7th Avenue Beach, Asbury Park
• 3rd Avenue Beach, Asbury Park
• Sylvania Beach, Avon-By-The-Sea
• Ocean Park, Bradley Beach
• Philips Ave. Beach, Deal
• Highlands Rec Center, Highlands
• Miller Beach, Highlands
• Atlantic Ave. Beach, Long Branch
• North Bath, Long Branch
• Spray Ave., Neptune Township
• Beacon Blvd., Sea Girt
• Essex Ave., Spring Lake Borough
• Washington, Spring Lake Borough

Ocean County

• Windward Beach, Brick
• Shelter Cove, Toms River

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

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