Update: The Glynn County Health Department lifted an advisory Thursday for East Beach at the old Coast Guard station on St. Simons Island.
The advisory was issued on Aug. 1 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 advisory was lifted.
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Original story:
Officials are warning people to stay out of the water at East Beach on St. Simons Island.
An advisory was issued Tuesday for East Beach at the old Coast Guard station (Tenth Street East to Driftwood Drive) on St. Simons after water samples tested positive for enterococcus.
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Officials also issued an advisory for East Beach at the end of June. Health officials are warning people to stay out of the water to avoid possible illness.
The Glynn County Health Department said fish and other seafood caught from the area should be washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating.
The area will be retested and the advisory will be lifted when tests show the bacteria levels meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended standards, officials said.
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The beach is not closed during the advisory.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources provides an interactive map listing beach swimming advisories on its website.