Swimming at Willard Beach was temporarily closed on Saturday as multiple authorities responded to a suspected water quality issue that was soon determined to pose no danger, according to the South Portland Fire Department. 

On Saturday morning, the Coast Guard, Portland Harbor Master, and South Portland Fire Department investigated an “unusual substance” on the ocean’s surface near Willard Beach. As the potential water quality issue was investigated, swimming was prohibited off of the beach for several hours. 

The investigation determined that the floating material was from the seafloor and was stirred up by boat traffic in the channel at low tide. The organic matter posed no threat to public safety, and the beach was reopened for swimming around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.