Dozens of syringes wash ashore, prompting temporary closure of Manasquan beach

Manasquan beach in New Jersey was closed to swimmers on Saturday after a beachgoer reported five syringes, prompting a sweep that uncovered 60 syringes in total, according to Mayor Mike Managan. Monmouth County health officials were alerted, and the water was reopened on Sunday, though some visitors still found needles and other drug paraphernalia, raising doubts about safety. Local resident Priscilla Mahajan expressed that a single cleanup does not guarantee safety and called for a better response.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection said the syringes likely arrived after heavy rain caused sewer overflows, carrying household waste such as insulin syringes onto the beach. Officials asked the public to report environmental emergencies, chemical spills, illegal dumping, odor complaints, and wildlife concerns to Manasquan Police and the NJDEP.