Latest Coastal Beach Swimming Advisory Information

NEWS RELEASE   July 17, 2013        

 Contact:  Todd Driver   912.262.2342 

Tybee Polk Street Beach Advisory Issued

CHATHAM COUNTY, GA ¬– Polk Street Beach (the northern most part of Tybee Island at the mouth of the Savannah River from the end of the beach to the jetty) on Tybee Island has been placed under advisory by the Chatham County Health Department. This advisory is only for the area(s) specified above and does not impact any other beaches on the island. This beach water advisory is to alert the public of a possible risk of illness associated with water contact but does not mean the beach is closed.

Routine water quality tests from samples taken July 16 at that location showed a high level of enterococci bacteria which increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers.

The Chatham County Health Department recommends you do not swim or wade in the water in the area(s) under advisory. Fish and other seafood caught from this area should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating as should fish or seafood caught from any waters. 

The area will be retested on July 18 and the advisory will be lifted when tests show the bacteria levels meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended standards.

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