Recognized Healthy Beaches

The NHBC evaluates America's beaches against 60 stringent environmental and service-based criteria to help the public identify clean and safe recreational destinations. Any beach may be evaluated free of charge. It is important to note that a beach must be more than just good looking to receive this designation.

Below you'll find a list of beaches recognized by the NHBC as clean and healthy.

One of the main factors used to determine if a beach makes the list is water quality. Few people realize that poor water quality can pose health risks. Gastroenteritis is the most common illness associated with swimming in water polluted by sewage, and can have symptoms including: nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, headache and fever. Minor illnesses that can result from swimming in polluted water include ear, eye, skin, and nose and throat infections.