Manasquan Beach reopened to swimmers Sunday morning after a Saturday closure triggered by dozens of syringes washing ashore, though some beachgoers reported finding additional needles and drug paraphernalia after the water was declared safe.
The waters off Manasquan, a popular Jersey Shore destination in Monmouth County, were off-limits Saturday after a beachgoer initially found five needles, prompting a full sweep of the area, Mayor Mike Managan told News 12. That search turned up a total of 60 syringes, and Monmouth County health officials were notified.
Swimmers were allowed back in the water Sunday morning, but some visitors reported discovering further needle plungers and drug paraphernalia, sparking concerns that officials had reopened the beach too soon.
“One beach cleanup is definitely not enough to say something is safe,” local Priscilla Mahajan told News 12, after finding the syringes on Sunday.
“We can’t change what’s in the ocean or what people have done in the past, but we can change our reaction to it,” she added.
The syringes likely washed ashore after last week’s heavy rain triggered sewer overflows that carried debris onto the beach, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Much of what washed up was household waste, including insulin syringes commonly used by diabetics at home, officials said.
Authorities reopened the water after reevaluating the area following two high-tide cycles, according to a Facebook post from the Manasquan Office of Emergency Management.
Officials urged the public to report any environmental emergencies, chemical spills, illegal dumping, odor complaints, and wildlife concerns to Manasquan Police at 732-223-1000 and NJDEP at 1-877-WARN-DEP.
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