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No-Swim Advisories lifted at Manatee Beaches

No-swim advisories lifted at Manatee beaches

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Beach, Featured, Outdoors.

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.

Swimming prohibited at several beaches

Swimming prohibited at several beaches

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Uncategorized.

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.