Summer snag in Coventry as beach closes due to bacteria

Summer fun came to a screeching halt in Coventry this week, as the town’s emergency management announced that Tiogue Lake, including Briar Point Beach, is closed to swimmers because of unsafe bacteria in the water.

The bacteria is linked to both animal and human waste, but Joseph Wendelken with RIDOH said it’s more common in Rhode Island than people may think.

"Beach closures are typically tied to precipitation. So when we have more intense rain events we have more storm water that runs off," Wendelken said. "Usually we’ll see about 50 to 100 beach closures a day during the summer."

Wendelken said that rain water washes animal waste into lakes, so pet owners are asked to keep animals off the beach during the summer spike.

The most alarming source for the bacteria is from human waste, and Wendelken said parents must keep an eye on babies swimming so their waste doesn’t end up in the water.

"Because a baby is wearing a diaper, parents [think] they don’t have to be thoughtful of that but they should be careful and check babies regularly if they’re in the water," he said. "Those bacteria levels can be dangerous."

Wendelken said the bacteria can make people ill, and if you have symptoms you’re asked to see a doctor.

Coventry officials said they had a similar closure in 2016.

The town tested the water again on Tuesday, and those results are expected back Wednesday.