The closed beaches are in Quincy, Ashby, Plymouth, and Shutesbury.
With afternoon temperatures expected to climb into the high 80s, seven beaches in four Massachusetts towns have been closed Wednesday.
Four beaches in Quincy are closed due to unhealthy and excessive levels of bacteria, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s beach water quality dashboard.
Specific reasons for closures in Ashby, Plymouth, and Shutesbury were not provided.
According to the DPH’s “Frequency Asked Questions” site on water-quality testing, beaches may also be closed for hazards such as cyanobacteria, harmful algae blooms, heavy rain, riptides, or combined sewer overflows.
DPH warns that swimming in water with excessive bacteria levels can cause eye and ear irritation, skin rashes, and respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and nausea.
While no specific reopening dates were given, DPH has noted that closures typically last one to two days to allow for laboratory testing and for bacteria to return to safe levels.
State law requires local health officials monitor bacteria levels at more than 1,100 public and semi-public beaches, with testing frequency determined by each location’s vulnerability to water quality issues.
Wednesday’s weather is expected to stay sunny with no rain. Temperatures will hit the 80s by midday and continue to rise until around 8 p.m., after which they are expected to settle into the mid-70s.
Mass. beach closures as of Wed., May 27, 2026
Ashby:
- Damon Pond Beach
Plymouth:
- Fearings Pond @ Beach 2
Quincy:
- Wollaston @ Channing Street
- Wollaston @ Milton Street
- Wollaston @ Rice Road
- Wollaston @ Sachem Street
Shutesbury:
- Lake Wyola
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