Updated August 31, 2022
The Glynn County Health Department has lifted the beach water advisories for Fifth Street Crossover Beach (Cedar Street to Ninth Street) and South Beach at the Lighthouse (Ninth Street to the pier).
The advisories were issued on August 30, 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.
The Glynn County Health Department has issued two beach water advisories on St. Simons Island. Advisories have been issued for:
[JPG, 145.07 KB]- Fifth Street Crossover Beach – Cedar Street to Ninth Street
- South Beach at Lighthouse – Ninth Street to the Pier
The Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Resources Division tests water samples at Glynn 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 area under advisory. Fish and other seafood caught from the area 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.
