Tests Show Elevated Bacteria Levels At Popular Salem Swim Spot

SALEM, MA — The city's health department hopes to retest Collins Cove Tuesday and have the results back on Wednesday, after the popular swim spot tested positive for high bacteria levels last week. That forced Salem officials to post a "No Swimming" sign on the beach for the weekend. Salem City Councilor Christine Madore said in a Facebook post she spoke with health department officials who said they were unable to work a retest around the tide schedules before the weekend.

"The bacteria level was only slightly elevated. Swimming should be fine, but ingesting the ocean water may result in illness," Madore said Sunday. "If you decide to swim in Collins Cove, please shower as soon as you can afterwards. Doesn't hurt to be extra careful!"