Heading to the beach? Swim advisory issued for two Miami Beach spots has been lifted
Update: The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade on Wednesday lifted the swim advisory after water samples came back normal.
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A no-swim advisory was issued Wednesday for two spots in Miami Beach after water samples showed high levels of bacteria, according to the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade.
The locations are: 53rd Street and Northshore Ocean Terrace at 73rd Street.
Two consecutive samples showed high levels of enterococci — which could indicate that there’s fecal matter in the water.
“This advisory issued recommends not swimming at these locations at this time,” the advisory says. “The result of the sampling indicates that water contact may pose an increased risk of illness, particularly for susceptible individuals.”
Since 2002, the health department has monitored a total of 16 sites in Miami-Dade as part of its Florida Healthy Beaches Program. The samples are tested for for enteric bacteria enterococci, which generally is found in the intestinal track of humans and animals. High levels can cause intestinal problems for humans.
While it’s not clear what caused the high bacteria level in these areas, it can be the result of storm water run-off, wildlife, pets and human sewage, according to the health department.
In January, the 53rd Street beach was closed for the same reason.
This story was originally published August 11, 2021 at 8:26 PM with the headline "Heading to the beach? Swim advisory issued for two Miami Beach spots has been lifted."
