South Beach swim advisory has been lifted after samples show normal bacteria levels
Update: The Florida Department of Health on Tuesday lifted a swim advisory or the South Pointe Drive beach area in South Beach after samples showed that the bacteria level had returned to normal.
If the recent cold weather hasn’t kept you out of the water, this swimming advisory may.
On Wednesday, the Florida Department of Health issued a warning for people to stay out of the water in the South Pointe Drive beach area in South Beach.
Two consecutive water samples showed high levels of enterococci, which could indicate that there’s fecal matter in the water.
Swimming in the water could “pose an increased risk of illness, particularly for susceptible individuals,” the health department said.
The beach is one of 16 that the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County monitors for water quality. The samples are then tested for enteric bacteria enterococci, which is found in the intestinal track of humans and animals.
Though it’s not clear what is causing the high levels in South Beach, it could be caused by storm-water runoff, wildlife, pets and human sewage, according to the health department.
Last month, the beach at 53rd Street was under an advisory after water samples showed high bacteria levels.
It takes two clean samples for the advisory to be lifted.
This story was originally published February 3, 2021 at 6:44 PM.
