Beachwood Beach in New Jersey bans swimming for 2025

A beach in Beachwood, New Jersey, has announced that swimming will be banned for the entire 2025 season. This decision comes more than two months before Memorial Day, which usually marks the start of the beach season. Beachwood Beach, located near Toms River, has faced ongoing issues with high bacteria levels in the water. The beach was closed to swimmers last July for the same reason and did not reopen that summer. Officials from the borough reported that the area might never allow swimming again. The Business Administrator, Sue Miock, mentioned that the cove-like shape of the nearby Toms River does not help wash away the bacteria. While swimming is prohibited, visitors can still enjoy the sandy area of the beach for recreational activities. Nearby beaches, such as those in Pine Beach and Ocean Gate, do not have the same water quality concerns. This change marks a significant moment for Beachwood Beach, as it has been a quieter alternative to more crowded beaches in the region, like Seaside and Asbury Park. The community is left wondering what the future holds for this local beach spot.