Over a dozen beaches are closed in Massachusetts this weekend due to bacteria. Here's where
After another week of high summer temperatures, you may be in the mood to head over to one of Massachusetts' beaches this weekend.
However, if you're planning a weekend beach trip, you'll want to avoid the beaches closed due to unsafe swimming water.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) states that swimming in the water at these closed beaches poses a threat of illness due to high levels of bacteria. Symptoms of water-borne illness can range from nausea and vomiting to a sore throat and fever, or even rashes and infections.
Heading into this weekend, several Massachusetts beaches are closed. Here's the full list.
The following MA beaches, listed by town, are closed as of Friday, June 13:
Ashland: Hopkinton Reservoir-Upper Beach (Bacterial Exceedance)
Boston:
Malibu (Bacterial Exceedance)
Tenean (Bacterial Exceedance)
Chatham: Oyster Pond (Bacterial Exceedance)
Dartmouth:
Hidden Bay (CSO/SSO event)
Jones Town Beach North (CSO/SSO event)
Jones Town Beach South (CSO/SSO event)
Great Barrington: Old Maid's Park (Bacterial Exceedance)
Revere: Short (Bacterial Exceedance)
Saugus: Peckham Pond at Camp Nihan (Bacterial Exceedance)
Templeton: Beamans Pond - Campground (Bacterial Exceedance)
Winthrop:
Donovans (Bacterial Exceedance)
Halford (Bacterial Exceedance)
Most beaches are closed due to bacterial exceedance, meaning the levels of bacteria in the water are higher than the limits set by the MDPH.
Those in the "other" category can be closed due to a variety of chemical or physical hazards, such as riptides and poor visibility.
More: Want to park for free at the beach this summer in MA? Boston Beer Company can help
Another popular beach is closed for the summer, but not due to bacteria.
According to an announcement from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) on May 30, the main beach at Walden Pond in Concord will be closed for the season as the site undergoes construction. Red Cross Beach, another beach at Walden Pond, will still be open for the summer, but with no lifeguards present and limited parking availability.
Over the summer, Walden Pond will be getting a new $6.1 million bathhouse, according to the DCR. The new single-story, 2,700 square-foot building will replace the current two-story bathhouse from 1947, which is not ADA compliant. This project will bring Walden Pond State Reservation's facility up to federal and state accessibility requirements.
More: Popular MA beach to stay closed all summer due to construction. Here's where
According to the MDPH website, beaches can only re-open when their bacteria levels are back within the safe range, so there is no set amount of time for a closure.
The status of a closed beach can be checked on the website's water quality dashboard, which is updated at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. daily.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: 14 Massachusetts beaches are closed this weekend. Here's where
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
a day ago
- Business Wire
Insulet to Share Additional Evidence Demonstrating the Impact of Omnipod ® 5 on Improved Health Outcomes at the American Diabetes Association 85th Scientific Sessions
ACTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Insulet Corporation (NASDAQ: PODD) (Insulet or the Company), the global leader in tubeless insulin pump technology with its Omnipod ® brand of products, today announced its planned activities during the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 85 th Scientific Sessions taking place June 20 – 23, 2025 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. 'We are thrilled to share more details that dive deeper into the clinical outcomes from our groundbreaking SECURE-T2D and RADIANT trials, as well as the real-world outcomes we are seeing, especially with type 2 diabetes,' said Dr. Trang Ly, MBBS, FRACP, PhD, Insulet Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. 'We are also looking forward to many conversations with healthcare providers about what the outcomes mean, with practical insights on how to optimize therapy.' Insulet shared results of the first large pivotal trial of Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) in type 2 diabetes (SECURE-T2D) at last year's ADA conference. In March, Insulet presented results of the first randomized controlled trial to assess the direct transition from multiple daily injections (MDI) to AID in adults and children with type 1 diabetes not meeting glycemic targets with injections (RADIANT). Presentations at ADA this week will provide richer insights into both trials and more. Conference Activities: Dr. Ly will lead a panel discussion, ' Setting the Standard with Omnipod 5: Remarkable Results with Unmatched Simplicity, ' on Sunday, June 22 from 10:15 – 11:00 AM CT in the conference product theater. She will be joined by Dr. Anders L. Carlson, MD, Associate Executive Director, International Diabetes Center, Director, HealthPartners Diabetes Program, and Associate Professor, University of Minnesota Medical School; Dr. Gregory Forlenza, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Director of Pediatric Diabetes Technology Research, Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; and Dr. Emma Wilmot, MB ChB BSc (hons), PhD, FRCP, Associate Professor, University of Nottingham, Honorary Consultant Diabetologist, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Trust, Royal Derby Hospital UK. They will have an interactive conversation around several thought-provoking case studies designed to challenge conventional thinking and therapeutic approaches. Dr. Ly will also provide a high-level overview of Insulet's innovation roadmap. Additionally, on Saturday, June 21, there will be a Diabetes Learning Byte session, ' Go Beyond GLP-1 Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes with Omnipod 5,' from 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM CT at booth 927 with Davida F. Kruger, MSN, APN-BC, BC-ADM, Certified Nurse Practitioner, Henry Ford Health Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Bone and Mineral Disease; and Leslie Barrett, MS, RD, CDCES, Director of Medical Affairs, Insulet. Oral Presentations Friday, June 20, Session: 5:30 – 6:30 PM CT, Presentation 5:45 – 6:00 PM CT (W184A-D) 130-OR– Real-World Glycemic Outcomes in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) Using the Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) System with Dr. Sean Oser Saturday, June 21, Session: 1:30 – 3:00 PM CT, Presentation 2:00 – 2:15 PM CT (W185A-D) 155-OR– Reduced Perceived Diabetes Distress with the Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) System in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) – Analysis of the SECURE-T2D Study with Dr. Kristin Castorino Monday, June 23, Session: 1:30 – 3:00 PM CT, Presentation 2:45 – 3:00 PM CT (W183A) 314-OR– Improved Outcomes Across Baseline Time-in-Range Levels with the Omnipod 5 AID System Compared with Multiple Daily Injections (MDI) in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D): Analysis of the RADIANT Study with Dr. Emma Wilmot Poster Presentations The following poster presentations will be held from 12:30 – 1:30 PM CT in the Poster Hall (Hall F1) during the weekend. Saturday, June 21 [945-P] – Improved Glycemic Outcomes with the Omnipod 5 AID System in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) Previously Using Basal without Bolus Insulin: Sub-analysis of the SECURE-T2D Study with Dr. Anders Carlson [937-P] – Successful Transition from Multiple Daily Injections (MDI) to Automated Insulin Delivery (AID): Real-world Glycemic Outcomes among People with Diabetes Using the Omnipod AID System with Dr. Grazia Aleppo [958-P] – Impact of Insulin Therapy Technology on Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: A Health Utility Study of Five Forms of Therapy with Colin Hopley, MPH, Insulet Sunday, June 22 [2011-LB] – iPhone App Adoption Improves Bolusing Frequency in Adolescents and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D): Insights from Real-World Omnipod ® 5 Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) System Use with Dr. Gregory Forlenza Booth Activities: Podcast recordings for Beyond the Bolus, Within Range will be conducted from Insulet's booth (1218). Also, a Baird hosted webcast, ' ADA Recap Interview with Dr. Trang Ly, ' will be facilitated by Sr. Research Analyst, Jeff Johnson. This will take place on Monday, June 23, at 11:00 AM CT. The interview will feature a recap of highlights, new clinical data, and updates from ADA. A link to the webcast will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at under 'Events and Presentations,' and will be archived for future replay. Insulet will bring immersive booth experiences that showcase how Omnipod 5 is transforming diabetes management. Attendees can engage in hands-on demonstrations led by clinical experts, exploring optimization techniques that support better outcomes. Attendees can also play an educational trivia game to learn how Omnipod 5 brings a whole new level of simplicity and convenience for mealtime insulin dosing. Insulet will also be distributing a new comic book to celebrate representation for the diabetes community. Dyasonic: Sound of Strength featuring a hero with type 1 diabetes. To access the comic book and related materials go to About Insulet Corporation: Insulet Corporation (NASDAQ: PODD), headquartered in Massachusetts, is an innovative medical device company dedicated to simplifying life for people with diabetes and other conditions through its Omnipod product platform. The Omnipod Insulin Management System provides a unique alternative to traditional insulin delivery methods. With its simple, wearable design, the tubeless disposable Pod provides up to three days of non-stop insulin delivery, without the need to see or handle a needle. Insulet's flagship innovation, the Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System, integrates with a continuous glucose monitor to manage blood sugar with no multiple daily injections, zero fingersticks, and can be controlled by a compatible personal smartphone in the U.S. or by the Omnipod 5 Controller. Insulet also leverages the unique design of its Pod by tailoring its Omnipod technology platform for the delivery of non-insulin subcutaneous drugs across other therapeutic areas. For more information, visit: and ©2025 Insulet Corporation. Omnipod is a registered trademark of Insulet Corporation. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The use of third-party trademarks does not constitute an endorsement or imply a relationship or other affiliation.
Medscape
2 days ago
- Medscape
Next-Generation Obesity Treatments Take Center Stage at ADA
The upcoming American Diabetes Association (ADA) 85th Scientific Sessions will focus on new and evolving weight-loss treatments for people with and without diabetes, along with new biological and technological approaches for managing type 1 diabetes (T1D). Late-breaking symposia will include data from trials of a once-monthly injectable for obesity treatment, a nonpeptide oral GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA), and a medication combining a GLP-1 RA with another drug designed to augment fat loss while preserving lean mass. Other new findings at the meeting include the use of a GLP-1 RA in T1D and the latest data on stem cell-derived islet cell transplantation in T1D. And always, there's much more. The meeting will take place from June 20 to 24, 2025, in Chicago. 'This year again, it will be heavily focused on obesity but more on the next generation of obesity drugs. We're progressing to therapy that may be more amenable to the patient, with less frequent dosing and greater convenience,' Marlon Pragnell, PhD, ADA's vice president of research and science, told Medscape Medical News . A major theme of the meeting, said Conference Planning Committee Chair Mark A. Atkinson, PhD, director of the University of Florida Diabetes Institute, Gainesville, Florida, will be 'after decades of making moderate impacts on both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, we are now in a position where we're moving from baby steps to big leaps, be it through technology, as well as new drugs for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. There's a very positive evolution here, but now that we have all these new tools, how do we most effectively use them?' And of course, the 'elephant in the room,' Atkinson noted, is the cost of the new approaches and access, another topic that will be addressed in several sessions. 'Cost is also a huge factor. There will be discussions about cost and cost effectiveness.' Late-breaking symposia topics include the following: Once-monthly maridebart cafraglutide (MariTide, Amgen) for the treatment of obesity in people with or without T2D — a 52-week phase 2 study : Although Amgen's top-line results didn't quite meet expectations for weight loss, Pragnell sees the once-monthly dosing as a potential major advantage. 'I think the key thing here is going to be on just the convenience of dosing and that obviously factors into adherence,' he noted. : Although Amgen's top-line results didn't quite meet expectations for weight loss, Pragnell sees the once-monthly dosing as a potential major advantage. 'I think the key thing here is going to be on just the convenience of dosing and that obviously factors into adherence,' he noted. First report of a phase 3 radomized controlled trial of orforglipron, a small nonpeptide GLP-1 RA, as monotherapy in drug-naïve T2D with inadequate glycemic control — the ACHIEVE-1 trial: These will be the full data for Eli Lilly's investigational product, following the release of top-line results in April 2025. The potential advantages here are not just that it would be an oral GLP-1 RA but because it's a nonpeptide small molecule it could be taken regardless of food or liquid intake, it wouldn't require refrigeration, and could potentially be manufactured more cheaply than injected GLP-1 RAs. 'This is actually very exciting,' Pragnell commented. Can we improve the quality of weight loss by augmenting fat mass loss while preserving lean mass? The BELIEVE study of bimagrumab plus semaglutide: The loss of lean muscle along with fat mass with GLP-1 RAs has been an ongoing concern. This phase 2 study in people with obesity but not diabetes examines the effect of combining bimagrumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks activin type II receptors and stimulates skeletal muscle growth, with the GLP-1 RA semaglutide. Eli Lilly acquired Versanis Bio, which held the rights to bimagrumab, in 2023. The loss of lean muscle along with fat mass with GLP-1 RAs has been an ongoing concern. This phase 2 study in people with obesity but not diabetes examines the effect of combining bimagrumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks activin type II receptors and stimulates skeletal muscle growth, with the GLP-1 RA semaglutide. Eli Lilly acquired Versanis Bio, which held the rights to bimagrumab, in 2023. Efficacy and safety of CagriSema 2.4 mg/2.4 mg in adults with overweight/obesity — the REDEFINE 1 and REDEFINE 2 clinical trials: Novo Nordisk's CagriSema combines the GLP-1 RA semaglutide with cagrilintide, a dual amylin and calcitonin RA. 'The idea behind the amylin analog is to come to the weight loss at multiple angles. I think it's going to be very interesting. It's clearly a next-generation approach,' Pragnell said. Novo Nordisk's CagriSema combines the GLP-1 RA semaglutide with cagrilintide, a dual amylin and calcitonin RA. 'The idea behind the amylin analog is to come to the weight loss at multiple angles. I think it's going to be very interesting. It's clearly a next-generation approach,' Pragnell said. ADJUnct semaglutide treatment in T1D (ADJUST-T1D) trial outcomes: With obesity increasingly recognized as an issue in T1D, the ADJUnct study examined the impact of adding semaglutide to automated insulin delivery. This symposium will include new trial outcomes. Other late-breaking symposia will cover results of the CATALYST trial of treatment of hypercortisolism in difficult to control T2D, new data from the STRIDE trial of semaglutide in peripheral artery disease, and the full data for the SOUL trial of oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) on cardiovascular and other outcomes in people with T2D at high cardiovascular risk. And there's much more, including results from a trial called PATHWEIGH, focusing on weight management in primary care, updates on inhaled insulin, new data on Vertex's stem cell-derived transplanted islets in T1D, and the use of artificial intelligence in diabetes management. According to Atkinson, 'This year's scientific sessions will showcase cutting-edge advancements in diabetes research through a robust, data-focused program. Whether attending in person or watching on-demand, participants will have the chance to connect with top experts, take part in engaging discussions, and gain critical insights that will help shape the future of diabetes care.' Pregnall and Atkinson had no disclosures.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Forbes
Navigating Leave Of Absence Management With Communication And Creative Problem Solving
Seth Turner is the Founder and Senior Advisor of AbsenceSoft. Leave of absence policies haven't kept up with how people live, work and manage their health today. Leave, the ADA and PWFA are still treated as separate tracks, managed by different teams with distinct rules. But employees' lives don't fall into neat categories. Someone recovering from surgery, managing a chronic illness or navigating pregnancy complications might qualify under more than one regulation. That's why I've started challenging the way we think about leave, especially intermittent leave. Not from a legal perspective, but from a human one. In my experience, even a single thoughtful conversation can make a dramatic difference. This isn't about skirting compliance or questioning medical certifications. It's about creating space for solutions that support the employee and the business. We don't need to rewrite regulations. What we need is a mindset shift—borrowing the intent behind the ADA's interactive process and applying it more broadly. When we do, we often reduce disruption, preserve productivity and help employees return faster, more supported and more engaged. Historically, leave has often carried a layer of mistrust. There's a persistent, if unspoken, assumption among some managers that leave, especially intermittent leave, is being misused and abused. We've all heard the stereotypes: the Monday–Friday pattern, the employee spotted at a baseball game while on leave, the school field trip chaperone. But these stories ignore the bigger truth. Just because someone is on leave doesn't mean they're confined to their couch. If a person can't lift 50 pounds overhead, that doesn't mean they can't sit outside and enjoy the sun. Healing doesn't look the same for everyone. Still, these anecdotes feed skepticism. The moment someone asks for leave, they can go from being a valued contributor to a perceived liability. That shift is outdated and, frankly, it's harmful. It undermines trust at the exact moment when support is needed most. Fortunately, that mindset is beginning to shift. A newer generation of managers is approaching leave with empathy and openness. They're asking, 'What do you need to make this work?' That shift from adversarial to collaborative is essential for modern organizations. But it takes intentional modeling and cultural change to get there. The ADA's interactive process is rooted in purposeful communication. It's a structured dialogue between the employer and the employee to explore potential accommodations that allow someone to stay at work or return safely. And while it's required by law in certain scenarios, the spirit behind it—curiosity, collaboration and flexibility—has far wider applications. I'm not suggesting ADA rules be applied to every leave case. It's more of a mindset of taking the interactive communication from one law and applying it to leave in a way that helps you talk to people. Too often, leave becomes transactional: a request is submitted, a certification is returned and the conversation ends. But what if we simply asked, 'What do you actually need?' Maybe it's an hour a week for physical therapy. Maybe it's avoiding a triggering meeting. Maybe it's a temporary shift in hours. When we open that door, we often find solutions that work better for everyone, without compromising compliance. The way an organization handles leave has direct consequences on retention, motivation, and return-to-work outcomes. According to recent data: • 36% of employees who had a negative leave experience started job hunting. • 14% ended up quitting. • On the flip side, 55% of employees who had a good leave experience returned feeling more motivated. • 68% of those who had a positive accommodation experience said they felt valued by their employer. These aren't just operational outcomes. They're cultural ones. When people feel supported during vulnerable moments, they're more likely to re-engage and stay longer. If you engage with employees the right way, you can get them back more quickly and more committed. In a market where retention is critical, we can't afford to overlook the power of these moments. For communication to work, HR and managers need to be aligned. HR sets the strategy and ensures compliance. But managers are closest to the daily impact and the ones employees turn to first. HR may initiate the process, but managers need to be involved. That's where we see the greatest tension and the greatest opportunity. Managers need training to think in shades of gray, not just black and white. They need to be open to creative solutions: shifting hours, redistributing tasks or adjusting workdays to accommodate needs. These conversations should be fact-based, not diagnosis-based. We're not asking managers to act as doctors, just as collaborative problem-solvers. And it's not one-and-done. Once adjustments are made, they need to be revisited. What worked for someone in January may not work in June. Regular check-ins ensure that accommodations continue to serve the employee and the team. Technology can't replace meaningful conversations, but it can make space for them. When HR teams are overwhelmed by manual processes, they don't have the bandwidth to engage proactively. Automation should handle the repeatable work: form generation, status tracking, reminders and secure messaging. That frees HR professionals to focus on what matters most: talking to people, solving problems and shaping better outcomes. We spend a lot of time and energy trying to boost engagement for the people in the office every day: team-building activities, perks, recognition programs. But what about the people who are out because they're sick, recovering or caring for someone? Why don't we invest that same energy in the ones who are out? Because that's exactly when support matters most. Better communication around leave is a culture builder. When employees feel heard, valued and supported, they're more likely to return, stay longer and contribute with even greater commitment. And the truth is, it doesn't take much. It's a small investment with big, big opportunities. A short conversation. A bit of flexibility. A willingness to ask, 'What do you need?' can change everything. Forbes Human Resources Council is an invitation-only organization for HR executives across all industries. Do I qualify?
