BEACH CONDITION UPDATES
Friday, September 20, 2024 – 8:45 a.m.
“We are pleased to report that after multiple high tides and several days of beach sweeping, we are no longer experiencing waste washing ashore. Ocean City Emergency Services, in collaboration with the Worcester County Health Department and Environmental Programs, has conducted thorough water testing, and the results show the water is within normal levels. We are confident that it is now safe to reopen the ocean for swimming and surfing. While the source of the waste is still unknown, we will continue to work in coordination with agencies from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. As we reopen the ocean, we want to remind everyone of the importance of swimming in front of a lifeguard and only when the guards are on duty. Your safety remains our top priority. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding throughout this situation.”
-Joe Theobald, Ocean City Emergency Services Director
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 – 1:00 p.m.
“The Town of Ocean City is working closely with the Health Department and awaiting the results of the water quality tests. Due to the current rough surf conditions, limited guards, and out of an abundance of caution, the ocean continues to remain closed to swimmers and surfers at this time. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Safety remains our top priority, and we hope to reopen the ocean in the next few days.”
-Joe Theobald, Ocean City Emergency Services Director
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 – 10:45 a.m.
“After completing the post-high tide cleanup this morning, the Public Works Department reported no medical waste on the beach. Due to rough surf, limited guards, and an abundance of caution, the ocean will remain closed to swimming and surfing at this time. Our goal today is to work with the Health Department to conduct water testing, with the hopes of reopening the ocean before the weekend. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to resolve this issue and keep our beaches safe.”
-Joe Theobald, Ocean City Emergency Services Director
Monday, September 16, 2024 – 4:30 p.m.
The Town of Ocean City continues to closely monitor the waste and medical debris washing ashore over the past 24 hours on beaches in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.
“We are pleased to report that, as of this afternoon, the amount of debris on the beach significantly decreased,” commented Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald. “While this is an encouraging development, the Town of Ocean City will keep a close eye on the situation, particularly as we approach the next high tide cycles, which are expected at 7:24 p.m. and 7:36 a.m. At this time, the ocean remains closed to swimming and surfing. We will continue working with our local, State, and Federal partners until the matter is resolved.”
If you encounter any debris requiring cleanup, please get in touch with Ocean City’s non-emergency line at 410-723-6610 with the specific location. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to resolve this issue and keep our beaches safe.
Monday, September 16, 2024 – 8:30 a.m.
Ocean City Beach Patrol, Public Works and Emergency Services have been actively monitoring the waste washing onshore. As of this morning, the waste and medical debris on the beach is considerably less than yesterday. Out of an abundance of caution, the ocean will remain closed to swimming and surfing at this time. We appreciate the public’s cooperation and will continue to provide updates as they become available.
Sunday, September 15, 2024 – 12:30 p.m.
Ocean City Emergency Services is actively addressing the recent discovery of medical waste that has washed up on our beaches. To ensure the safety of all residents and visitors, Ocean City Beach Patrol has temporarily closed the ocean for swimming, and we urge everyone to adhere to this closure until further notice.
Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald stresses that this situation is serious, especially given the combination of rough seas and the current health concerns. “We will work closely with the Worcester County Health Department and other public health authorities to investigate the source of the medical waste,” Theobald stated. “Until we are confident that the situation is under control, we recommend wearing shoes on the beach and avoiding the ocean entirely.”
Ocean City officials will continue monitoring the beach, removing debris, and updating the public as we gather more information. Your cooperation is crucial in helping us keep our beaches safe. Please monitor the official Town of Ocean City Government social media channels for further updates.
