MANATEE COUNTY – It’s safe to go back in the water.
The no-swim advisories that have been in place since July 26 were lifted Wednesday morning for Bayfront Park north, Manatee Beach north, Coquina Beach north and the south side of the Palma Sola Causeway. Lifting the advisories means that bacteria counts have dropped to acceptable levels and that the public can once again safely enter these waters.
“The flag system has nothing to do with bacteria in the water.” – Christopher Tittel, Florida Department of Health communications director
As a participant in the Healthy Beaches Program, the Department of Health-Manatee collects water samples at select beaches each week. The samples are then sent to labs to determine whether or not levels of enteric (fecal) bacteria – which can cause disease, infections or rashes – are acceptable based on EPA standards. If levels are unacceptable, a no-swim advisory is issued; the advisory is lifted once the levels read as acceptable.
According to Florida Department of Health Communications Director Christopher Tittel, the cause of the bacteria was rain and runoff that washed animal feces into the water. Recent heavy storms have churned up the sand beneath the surface; this mixed with extremely warm water is believed to aid in the elevated levels.
DOH-Manatee received test results from samples taken at all four beaches on July 26 that show an elevated level of enteric bacteria.
On Tuesday, Aug. 2 at Manatee Beach there appeared to be some confusion about water safety as many beachgoers were in the water. Some cited the green flag, indicating low hazard, flying above the lifeguard station. The flag system is a warning system for rip currents or stinging marine life.
“The flag system has nothing to do with bacteria in the water,” Tittel said.
At Manatee Beach, the Department of Health advisory was posted at the base of the lifeguard station. The sign said in part, “High bacteria levels swimming not recommended. Increased risk of illness at this time.”
Additional information about the Healthy Beaches program can be found by calling 941-714-7593, or by visiting the Florida Department of Health’s website at www.FloridaHealth.gov and selecting Beach Water Quality under the Environmental Health tab of the navigation bar.
