Updated June 24, 2022
The Chatham and Glynn County Health Departments have lifted the beach water advisories for the following beach locations:
- North Beach at Goulds Inlet – Fifteenth St. to Tenth St. on St. Simons Island,
- South Beach at the Lighthouse – 9th St. to the pier on St. Simons Island,
- Strand Beach at the Pier – 11th St. to 18th St. on Tybee Island.
The advisories were issued on June 22, 2022 after routine water quality tests showed a high level of enterococci bacteria which increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers. Subsequent water samples taken showed that the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisories have been lifted.
June 22, 2022:
The Glynn County Health Department has issued beach water advisories for the following beach locations on St. Simons Island:
- North Beach at Goulds Inlet – Fifteenth St. to Tenth St.
- South Beach at the Lighthouse – 9th St. to the pier
The Chatham County Health Department has issued a beach water advisory for Strand Beach at the Pier, which extends from 11th Street to 18th Street, on Tybee Island.
The Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Resources Division tests water samples at Glynn County and Chatham 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. Get more information about beach water testing and advisories on our website.
