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Skip the Jersey Shore Today and Head over to Graydon Pool: Why High Bacteria Levels Are Forcing Beach Closures

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Toxic Runoff Sparks Jersey Shore Beach Closures: Why You Should Stick to Graydon Pool Today

file photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, If you were planning a quick getaway to the Jersey Shore, you might want to pivot your weekend plans. Following heavy rainstorms and flash flooding over the holiday weekend, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has issued swimming bans at several popular coastal beaches due to dangerously high fecal bacteria levels.

Instead of risking a contaminated dip in the ocean, local families are urged to stay close to home and cool off safely at Ridgewood’s own Graydon Pool.

The Culprit: Stormwater Runoff & Enterococci Bacteria

Recent severe storms dumped more than 5 inches of rain across parts of Monmouth, Ocean, and Cape May counties, triggering widespread flooding and infrastructure stress. This intense stormwater runoff carries animal and human waste directly into local waterways, causing spikes in Enterococci bacteria.

According to the NJDEP, swimming in water that exceeds safety limits can cause a variety of nasty health symptoms, including:

  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

  • Sore throats and runny noses

  • Painful earaches

  • Severe skin rashes and flu-like symptoms

Which Jersey Shore Beaches Are Closed?

The state places a beach under a swimming advisory if Enterococci levels exceed 104 colonies per 100 milliliters of water. If a second consecutive day of testing fails, a full swimming ban is enforced.

As of the latest NJDEP data, strict swimming bans remain in place at these four specific sites:

Location / County Impacted Beach / Body of Water
Sea Girt (Monmouth Co.) The Terrace Beach (Oceanfront)
Atlantic Highlands (Monmouth Co.) Highlands Recreation Center Beach (Sandy Hook Bay)
Belmar (Monmouth Co.) L Street Beach (Shark River)
Long Beach Island (Ocean Co.) Stockton Avenue Beach (Barnegat Bay)

Note: Dozens of other area beaches—including hot spots in Asbury Park, Long Branch, and Deal—were placed under temporary advisories earlier in the week, but have since seen bacteria levels fall back into acceptable safety margins.


The Smarter Alternative: Stay Safe at Graydon Pool

Why risk unpredictable ocean water quality when you have a pristine, sand-beachfront facility right in your backyard? Graydon Pool offers a clean, controlled environment that perfectly mimics the beach experience without the pollution hazards.

Your ultimate day-cation at Graydon Pool features:

  • The Beach Vibe: A natural sand beachfront stretching across the entire facility.

  • Family Amenities: Spray fountains in a fenced-in Kiddie area, a playground, and dedicated volleyball and basketball courts.

  • Comfort & Relaxation: Ready-to-use Adirondack chairs, shade pavilions, and a picnic area equipped with charcoal grills.

  • The Food: Home to the popular Water’s Edge Café concession stand, opening daily at noon (weather permitting).

  • Accessibility & Tech: Features an easy-access entry ramp for those requiring assistance, alongside park-wide Wi-Fi.

Skip the toxic shoreline traffic today—grab your towels, head down to Graydon Pool, and enjoy a worry-free day in the sun!

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