A swimming advisory has been lifted for several areas in Myrtle Beach and new advisories have been issued.
A press release from the Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday says an advisory has been lifted for the following areas, which were placed under the advisory on Tuesday:
77th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach
53rd Avenue North in Myrtle Beach (Deep Head Swash)
50th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach
34th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach
15th Avenue South in Myrtle Beach
23rd Avenue South in Myrtle Beach
Additional advisories were issued for the following areas on Wednesday for high levels of bacteria:
17th Avenue South in North Myrtle Beach
33rd Avenue South in North Myrtle Beach
Swash at Myrtle Beach State Park in Horry County
16th Avenue North in Surfside Beach
11th Avenue North in Surfside Beach
3rd Avenue South in Surfside Beach
DHEC says it is safe to wade, collect shells, and fish in these areas, but recommends keeping your head out of the water to avoid swallowing the water. People with open cuts or other wounds should consider avoiding contact with the water.
According to the release, the Enterococci bacteria is “common to the guts of warm-blooded animals and are considered an indicator of the potential presence of other organisms which may cause diseases in humans.” Those swimming in waters with high bacteria levels “have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.”
The release also says the swimming advisory is not a beach closing and the advisory only affects the small sections listed.
For more information on DHEC’s water testing, visit their website or contact the Myrtle Beach DHEC office at 843-238-4378.