Updated August 2, 2022
The Glynn County Health Department has lifted the beach water advisory for Great Dunes Beach, which extends from the Beach Pavilion to Corsair Beach Park on Jekyll Island. The advisory was issued on July 26, 2022, after routine water quality tests showed a high level of enterococci bacteria which increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers.
After resampling the affected area, water samples show the bacteria level had dropped below the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisory has been lifted.
There are currently no beach water advisories on Jekyll Island.
Updated July 29, 2022
The Glynn County Health Department has lifted one of the two beach water advisories for Jekyll Island. The advisories were issued on July 26, 2022, after routine water quality tests showed a high level of enterococci bacteria which increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers.
After resampling both affected beach areas, water samples show the bacteria level had dropped below the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits at Glory Beach, from the South Water Tower to Macy Lane on Jekyll Island. Therefore, the advisory for Glory Beach has been lifted.
A sample was also taken from the Great Dunes Beach area for retesting, but the water was too muddy for analysis. A fresh sample will be taken from the beach on Monday, August 1 for retesting. In the meantime, the water quality advisory remains in place for Great Dunes Beach, which extends from the Beach Pavilion to Corsair Beach Park on Jekyll Island.
July 26, 2022
The Glynn County Health Department has issued two beach water advisories on Jekyll Island. Advisories have been issued for:
- Great Dunes Beach: from the Beach Pavilion to Corsair Beach Park
- Glory Beach: from the South Water Tower to Macy Lane
[JPG, 145.07 KB]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.
