Managing Recreational Swimming Sites

Managed Beaches & Other Natural Recreational Waters

Help keep swimmers safe by checking water conditions, testing for bacteria, and letting visitors know when it isn't safe to swim.

Check Water Conditions

A healthy swimming area is monitored throughout the swimming season for conditions that could affect public health.

Watch for common hazards, including:

• Bacteria or fecal contamination (poop) from swimmers, diapers, wildlife, pets, livestock, or sewage and septic system spills
• Chemical contamination from spills or stormwater runoff
• Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms
• Physical hazards such as trash, debris, broken glass, or other sharp objects

Complete a sanitary survey before the swimming season begins and whenever conditions change, such as after flooding, construction or other major events. A sanitary survey helps identify and track potential sources of contamination over time.

See a model sanitary survey

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When to Test the Water

Test for E. coli bacteria at least once a week during the swimming season and:

• After heavy rain or flooding
• If water quality changes
• If you suspect sewage or other contamination

Why test for E. coli? E. coli is used to show whether fecal contamination may be present in the water. High E. coli levels may mean other germs that can make people sick are also present.

See sampling protocols
Order swim water test kits

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When to Post an Advisory or Close the Swimming Area

Post an advisory when:

• More than ½ inch of rain falls within 24 hours
• You are waiting for follow-up water test results
• You think water quality may be temporarily affected
   

Close the swimming area when:

• E. coli levels are greater than 235 colony-forming units (CFU) per 100 milliliters (mL).
• You see a cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom
• There is a sewage spill
• There is a chemical spill
• Another hazard makes swimming unsafe

Notify your staff and town health officer when a swimming area is closed because of poor water quality or another health hazard.

See posting and closing procedures

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Printable Signs to Post

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When to Reopen

You can reopen the swimming area when:

• E. coli levels are below 235 CFU per 100 mL
• A spill or other hazard has been cleaned up
• A cyanobacteria bloom has been gone for at least 24 hours or testing shows the water is safe

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Pools, Hot Tubs & Splash Pads

If you manage a pool, hot tub, splash pad or other recreational swimming facility: 

• Follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Model Aquatic Health Code. You may also find these resources helpful:
  • Aquatics Professionals Toolkit
  • Responding to Pool Contamination
• If you operate a pool or hot tub at a licensed lodging establishment, follow Vermont regulations.
  • Use the Pool and Hot Tub Water Quality fact sheet to understand water quality requirements.
• Develop a water management plan to help prevent Legionella growth.
• Find guidance for managing hot tubs and splash pads, where germs can spread more easily.

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Resources