Over 450 U.S. beaches are unsafe for swimming on at least 25% of days due to fecal contamination.

Many US beaches are under advisories due to unsafe levels of fecal contamination, posing risks for Labor Day weekend swimmers. Beaches from Crystal River, Florida, to Ogunquit, Maine, have issued warnings, advising against swimming due to bacteria linked to fecal waste, which can cause illness. Nearly two-thirds of beaches nationwide experienced unsafe contamination levels in 2024, with factors like outdated water systems, weather events, and suburban sprawl contributing to the issue. Despite the warnings, some swimmers remain unconcerned.