Updated January 20, 2022
The Chatham County Health Department has lifted the beach water advisory for Middle Beach at Center Terrace (Lovell Street to 11th Street) on Tybee Island. The advisory was issued on January 19, 2022 after routine water quality tests showed a high level of enterococci bacteria which increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers. Subsequent water samples showed the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisory has been lifted.
The Chatham County Health Department has issued beach water advisories for the following beach locations on Tybee Island:
- Middle Beach at Center Terrace – Lovell Street to 11th Street, and
- Strand Beach at the Pier – 11th Street to 18th Street.
The Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Resources Division tests water samples at Georgia beaches throughout the year. The test screens for enterococcus (pronounced: en·ter·o·coc·cus) bacteria, which are found in humans and some wildlife.
When a beach is under advisory, it means the level of bacteria found in the water is above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended standards. Periodic advisories are not unusual, and sources of the bacteria could include animal waste, storm water runoff, or boating waste.
The advisory does NOT mean the beach is closed. Beach water advisories alert the public of a possible risk of illness associated with water contact in the advisory areas. The Health Department recommends you do not swim or wade in the water in the areas under advisory. Fish and other seafood caught from these areas should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating, as should fish or seafood caught from any waters.
The areas will be re-tested this week, and the advisories will be lifted when the bacteria levels meet the EPA’s recommended standards. For more information, visit our beach water testing page.
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