UPDATED Aug. 1, 2022 – ANNA MARIA ISLAND – No-swim advisories remain in effect today for north Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach, north Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, north Bayfront Park in Anna Maria and south Palma Sola Causeway in Bradenton.
Christopher Tittel, communications director for the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) said new water samples would be taken today, with results expected by mid-week.
A no-swim advisory is issued when contact with the water at the site could make beachgoers sick.
“We encourage people to go and enjoy the beach regardless of the current water conditions; there’s nothing airborne, so even if you can’t get in the water, you can enjoy the beach,” Tittel said. “It’s one thing to get this on your skin, but people who go in the water with any kind of open wounds or cuts are at risk for much more serious health issues.”
Many Island beaches were under no-swim advisories on Friday, but the green flag was out south of lifeguard tower 7 in Coquina Beach, meaning water conditions were safe for swimmers, and there were hundreds of people in the water.
“We only get one day here, we have to leave tomorrow, so it would have been terrible if we couldn’t get in the water,” said Chelsea Wade, who was visiting Coquina Beach with her husband and two children. “We live in Ocala and had no idea there was any issue until we got here. Some people farther north in Bradenton Beach where we’re staying told us to come down here. I’m so glad we did.”
Tittel says while some parts of the Island may not be under the advisory, people should still be aware that bacteria levels may be high because they can’t test everywhere. Anyone with health conditions or open wounds should exercise caution even if the green flag is flying. In areas with a no-swim advisory, there will be a double red flag.
As a participant in the Healthy Beaches Program, DOH-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.
DOH-Manatee received test results from samples taken at all four beaches on July 26 that show an elevated level of enteric bacteria.
According to Tittel, the cause of the bacteria is rain and runoff that washes animal feces into the water. The 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.
