You've packed the cooler, applied sunscreen and arrived at the perfect spot, then you see it: "BEACH CLOSED."

Beach warnings and closures can fluctuate throughout the summer. Just before the Fourth of July holiday dozens of beaches across six states were shut down or issued advisories due to high bacteria levels.

Before you go and cancel your beach trip, a little planning can help safeguard your summer plans. Unfortunately there is not a national database that allows you to check beach closures in real time. However many states and counties have online trackers for advisories and closures and most of them are updated daily.

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(MORE: Hidden Beach Dangers)

Know The Difference

So what’s the difference between a beach advisory and a beach closure? According to NOAA, an advisory means you can swim at your own risk. While bacteria levels may be elevated, they have not exceeded the recommended limits.

A closure means that testing has shown the water is unsafe and swimming is prohibited. In both situations you may still be able to enjoy the shore, but with a beach closure you’ll want to avoid any water contact. Most beaches will post signs or flags warning you of the beach and water conditions.

What Triggers A Beach Closure?

Some common culprits that can lead to a beach shut down are:

• Heavy rainfall that leads to hazardous storm runoff
• “Red Tides” and other toxic algae blooms
• Sewage or chemical spills

Swimming in waters with high bacteria levels can lead to a variety of illnesses and awful symptoms from skin rashes and itching, to sore throats and runny noses and even flu-like chills and fevers. Most commonly people will experience gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Learn more about the common and potentially deadly bacteria found at beaches here.

To safeguard yourself and keep your beach trip intact there are simple steps you can take:

• Check the weather and avoid swimming after heavy rain.
• Look out for signs of water pollution like strong odors and fast-moving, discolored water.
• Avoid swallowing the water
• Avoid swimming in streams or rivers that are not designated swimming areas

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