The territory's beaches all sustained some changes from Hurricane Lenny, but St. Thomas came out virtually unscathed compared to St. Croix.
Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ira Hobson has warned, however, that while all beaches on St. Thomas are open and there are lifeguards on duty, the public should be on the look-out for galvanized metal or any other floating debris. He stated that the public may use the beaches "at your own risk."
Many beaches on St. Croix remained closed.
Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean Plaskett said St. Thomas beaches appear fine, and that he has had no reports of erosion or contamination problems in the waters around the island. A survey of water quality at all beaches is under way.
Lenny was far kinder to St. Thomas beaches than his predecessors. In fact, one beach actually benefitted from the storm. At Magens Bay, beach general manager Bill Jowers said the rising surf cleaned out the natural ponds on the property which feed the mangroves.
"It looks a little murky, but that's nothing compared to the benefits of the clean salt water rinsing out the ponds," Jowers said. "It will be brown for just a couple days, and the mangroves and the crabs and everybody will be happy."
No substantial trees were lost, he said, and the beach, concession stand and restrooms are all in good shape. He cautioned, however: "We are on the lookout for any drifting debris, and beachcombers should watch out for this."