GLYNN COUNTY, GA – The Glynn County Health Department has lifted the bacteria-related beach water advisories for Jekyll Island at the South Dunes Picnic Area (Corsair Beach Park to South Water Tower) and Middle Beach at the Convention Center (Beach Pavilion to Corsair Beach Park).
The advisories were issued on November 5, 2019 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 that the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisories have been lifted.
The following Glynn County beaches remain under advisory:
St. Simons Island:
East Beach at Old Coast Guard Station (Tenth St. to Driftwood Dr.)
Massengale Park Beach (Driftwood Dr. to Cedar St.)
Fifth Street Crossover Beach (Cedar St. to Ninth St.)
South Beach at the Lighthouse (Ninth St. to the Pier)
The Department of Natural Resources - Coastal Resources Division tests water samples on St. Simons and Jekyll Islands every week throughout the year. The tests screen for enterococcus (pronounced: en·ter·o·coc·cus) bacteria, which are found in humans and some wildlife. The testing program is not related to the capsized motor vehicle carrier in St. Simons Sound.
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. This does NOT mean the beach is closed.
These 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 advisories will be lifted when re-tests show that bacteria levels meet the EPA’s recommended standards. For more information about beach water testing, go toGaCHD.org and click on the Environmental Health tab at the top of the page.