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Public raises beach-safety alarm in Oxford; staff points to weekly and monthly testing
Summary
A public commenter described a serious paddleboard injury and expressed concerns about Vibrio vulnificus and bacteria counts at the beach; staff and a water-quality expert said ShoreRivers performs weekly testing and the county health department tests monthly, and that the town will consult DNR on removing poles at the beach.
During public comment a resident recounted a recent paddleboard accident that produced severe foot injuries and warned the town about perceived beach hazards and bacterial risks. The commenter urged the town to act promptly to reduce risk to bathers and recreational users.
Rebecca (speaker 3) said the shore conditions and rocks contributed to the injury and added, "Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria. It's not fair to say that that's okay." Town staff and a water-quality presenter responded: testing is done weekly by ShoreRivers and monthly by the Talbot County Health Department for enterococcus and intestinal bacteria, and the town maintains a page linking to those results. Staff said they will consult legal counsel regarding monitoring responsibilities and will work with DNR on removing poles at the beach as part of immediate mitigation.
