Is it safe to swim in Delaware Bay?

The waters of the Inland Bays and Delaware Bay may contain organisms that could be harmful to one's health, particularly for persons with certain medical conditions or compromised immune systems. Swimming could result in an increased risk of rashes, infections or gastrointestinal distress.



People Also Ask

The waters of the Inland Bays and Delaware Bay may contain organisms that could be harmful to one's health, particularly for persons with certain medical conditions or compromised immune systems. Swimming could result in an increased risk of rashes, infections or gastrointestinal distress.

MORE DETAILS

Vibrio are bacteria that occur naturally in brackish waters such as the Delaware Bay, the Inland Bays and tributaries, especially during warm weather months.

MORE DETAILS

In tests taken Wednesday, the average level of bacteria for Rehoboth Beach over the past 30 days was about 27 colonies per 100ml. That level was 1,313 per 100ml. In Bethany, the bacteria level was much higher at 3,873 colonies per 100ml. Bacteria was far less elevated in Dewey, with 160 per 100ml.

MORE DETAILS

Certainly, not all waterways are swimmable even in 2019, but they are much cleaner. Some portions of the Delaware are swimmable based on bacteria levels. Other portions are not, including where the teens gathered near the defunct Pier 18, also known as Graffiti Pier.

MORE DETAILS

The Delaware Bay is bordered by the states of New Jersey & Delaware and reached depths of more than 150ft.

MORE DETAILS

While the entire tidal river is part of the estuary, salinity levels vary from the Delaware Bay (saltwater) to Wilmington, Del. (brackish) to Philadelphia, Pa. and Trenton, N.J. (mostly freshwater).

MORE DETAILS

The Delaware Bay Estuary is a sanctuary for many species of Marine Life. The unique confluence of fresh and saltwater make for a nutrient rich area teeming with life and conducive to whale and dolphin activity.

MORE DETAILS

The Bay supports the world's largest freshwater port system, approximately 3,000 vessels a year, and is the largest receiving center for crude oil, steel, paper, and meat imports. Fort Delaware is on the National Register of Historic Places.

MORE DETAILS

Swimming is welcome. For your safety, the Beach Patrol recommends not swimming past chest-deep water (areas may be marked with flags). Ocean conditions may change quickly. Please check with the nearest lifeguard stand before you attempt distance swimming.

MORE DETAILS

On March 24, 2023, the Trinseo Altuglas chemical plant in Bristol, Pennsylvania in the United States had an equipment failure that resulted in a leak of between 8,100 and 12,000 gallons of butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and methyl methacrylate into Otter Creek, a tributary of the Delaware River.

MORE DETAILS

1. The Maldives. The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, have around 1,190 islands and sandbanks. A lagoon with crystal clear water encircles all the islands, which are protected by a reef structure that is home to an array of underwater life.

MORE DETAILS

Rehoboth Beach Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Delaware.

MORE DETAILS

During COVID-19 the following beach regulations are in place. The Rehoboth beach and boardwalk will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for beach activities including exercising, sunbathing and swimming.

MORE DETAILS

In the spring and early summer horseshoe crabs come ashore to spawn. Wave action flips the crabs over where they are left to die in the hot sun, thus the “Slaughter of the Crabs.” The most colorful story has to be of Indians attacking early settlers in the area.

MORE DETAILS