EAST LYME, Conn. — One of the places people have not gotten enough of over the past week is the beach. And because we've had so much rain of late, some beaches are discouraging swimming, because of continued elevated bacteria levels. That includes one of the state's busiest beaches...
On the best beach day in over a week, people sunbathing at Rocky Neck State Park did not want to be told they can't go swimming.
"When I was younger, I probably swam in worse," said Sherrie Schwensfier of Norwich. "Do you know what I mean? So, as long as you’re not swallowing it, drinking it, I’m sure you’ll be OK."
She was among those who chose to go against the state's recommendations.
"We kind of got here and decided we are here and will try to keep just our toes in the water," said Kim Pudvah of Griswold "Of course, with my son Jack here, it’s a little hard to do because he just wants to take a dip."
But for others, no way.
"Because I’m not getting sick," said Alyssa Murphy of New Britain. "So, I’m not doing that and it’s just not healthy."
Laura Colanti and her daughter had the debate when they arrived at the beach Thursday morning.
"We decided not to because there’s a reason they’re telling you not to go in, so we put our feet in that's all," said Colanti of Manchester.
In terms of side effects, people may experience if they do decide to go against the recommendations?
"It’s possible to have some nausea related to high bacteria levels," said Chris Bellucci of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Stomach issues and rashes are also possible.
In New Haven, this afternoon swimming was given the green light at Lighthouse Point Park for the first time in a week. But beachgoers are reminded of ways they can help prevent higher bacteria, including cleaning up after their dogs.
"Then trying not to feed the seagulls because the more you feed them the more feces goes into the water which increases the bacteria levels," said Maritza Bond, New Haven's Health Director.
The water at Rocky Neck was retested Thursday morning and the results should be available Friday afternoon.
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