Beach Monitoring Programs

Ensuring safe water quality for public beaches in St. Mary's County

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) monitors the water quality of public beaches in St. Mary’s County. Swimming in natural waters is never risk-free. Always use discretion before entering the water. Click here to learn about healthy beach habits!

Current Water Quality Advisories

Locations listed below are under advisory due to elevated levels of indicator bacteria. When indicator bacteria levels are too high, there is an elevated risk that swimmers may get sick. It is recommended that you not swim or wade in the water. Risk of illness comes from contacting beach water in several ways. These include ingesting natural water, getting water in the nose, eyes, and ears, or an open wound. If one has an open wound on the lower legs or feet, it could become infected even from wading.

The regulated beach monitoring season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Results are typically updated weekly on Fridays during the season, pending the sampling schedule and processing.

Beach monitoring and reporting will resume in May 2025.

For questions regarding beach advisories, contact our Environmental Health Division at smchd.env@maryland.gov or by calling 301-475-4321.

Monitored Beaches

The locations below are monitored by SMCHD during beach monitoring season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Breton Bay Civic Association Main Beach (Leonardtown)
Camp MD (Piney Point)
Cedar Cove Community Beach (Lexington Park)
Elms Beach Park (Dameron)
Golden Beach & Patuxent Knolls Subdivisions – Boat Ramp – Long Point (Charlotte Hall)
Golden Beach & Patuxent Knolls Subdivisions – Community Beach (Charlotte Hall)
Greenwell State Park – Pavilion Beach (Hollywood)
Greenwell State Park – River Trail Beach (Hollywood)
Myrtle Point Park – Picnic Area Beach (California)
Myrtle Point Park – Wet Sox Trail Beach (California)
Point Lookout State Park – Hammond Rest Area Beach (Scotland)
Sanner’s Lake – Fresh Water (Lexington Park)
Snow Hill Farm Park (Mechanicsville)
St. Clements Shores Subdivision – Community Beach (Compton)
St. Mary’s College of Maryland (St. Mary’s City)
Wicomico Shores Waterfront Park (Budd’s Creek)

Report a Concern

To report a water quality concern at a local public beach, please contact the Environmental Health Division at the St. Mary’s County Health Department at (301) 475-4321 or smchd.env@maryland.gov.