COLUMBIA, SC (WBTW) – A section of beach along the Grand Strand has been placed under a temporary swimming advisory, the Department of Health and Environmental Control reported Wednesday.
“The affected area includes 200 feet above and below the Lands End Resort of Arcadia Beach in Horry County,” said Sean Torrens of DHEC’s Pee Dee Environmental Quality Control office in Myrtle Beach. “High bacteria levels have been detected in this section of beach, and swimming is not advised until bacteria levels return to normal.”
According to Torrens, it is safe to wade, collect shells and fish within the swimming advisory area.
“To guard against the possibility of swallowing the water, it’s best to keep your head up and out of the water,” Torrens said. “People with open cuts or other wounds should also avoid contact with the water.”
According to Torrens, temporary advisory signs are placed at beaches found to have high levels of bacteria in the water where there is not currently a long-term sign. Long-term signs currently exist at several beach locations cautioning that bacteria levels in the water could be high following heavy rains.
For more information about beach water quality in the Myrtle Beach area, call DHEC’s Pee Dee EQC office in Myrtle Beach at (843) 238-4378 or visit DHEC’s website.
