Bacteria Forces Swim Ban At Many Mass. Beaches

Nearly 30 beaches along the Massachusetts coast are closed to swimming at the start of what is predicted to be a hot, steamy weekend.

The state Department of Public Health says swimming is banned at the beaches because of elevated bacteria levels in the water. The beaches themselves remain open.

The beaches are located in Boston and 16 other communities north and south of the city, including several on Cape Cod.

A spokeswoman for DPH says some of the beaches could be deemed safe for swimming as early as Saturday after the latest bacteria test results come back.

The state requires beaches to be tested at least once a week during the summer months.

Forecasters expect weekend temperatures in the 90s in the Boston-area.