The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection says swimming at three beaches in Ocean County could be hazardous due to high levels of fecal bacteria discovered this week.

Water samples collected Monday found high levels of Enterococci at three beaches, which are the 5 Avenue bayfront beach in Seaside Park, the 16 Street bayfront beach in Surf City, and the Trenton Avenue ocean beach in Lavallette.

According to the DEP, the beaches will remain open, but advisory notices have been posted to swimmers.

Enterococci is a bacteria found in the gut and feces of animals. While usually harmless, the bacteria is often used an an "indicator" microbe for the presence of other illness-causing pathogens.