The Glynn County Health Department has issued beach water advisories for the following beach locations:
- East Beach at Old Coast Guard Station – from Tenth St. to Driftwood Dr. on St. Simons Island,
- Massengale Park Beach – from Driftwood Dr. to Cedar St. on St. Simons Island,
- Fifth Street Crossover Beach – from Cedar St. to Ninth St. on St. Simons Island, and
- South Dunes Picnic Area Beach – from Corsair Beach Park to South Water Tower on Jekyll Island.
The Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Resources Division tests water samples at Glynn County 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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