No-Swim Advisory Issued At Sarasota County Beach: FL DOH

BRADENTON, FL — A no-swim advisory has been issued for Lido Casino Beach.

Water samples taken at the beach Monday showed high levels of enterococci bacteria, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County.

While the beach remains open, wading, swimming and recreational water activities are not recommended, the agency added.

People are also advised not to eat shellfish, such as crabs and shrimp, collected in the immediate area of the beach. Finfish caught live and healthy can be eaten if filleted.

Signage has been placed at Lido Casino Beach warning visitors of the presence of bacteria in the water. These signs will remain in place until follow-up testing results meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s water quality standards.

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County has resampled the beach Thursday and expects those results late Friday afternoon.

“When these bacteria are found at high levels in recreational waters, there is a risk that some people may become ill. People, especially those who are very young, elderly or who have a weak immune system that swallow water while swimming can get stomach or intestinal illnesses. If water contacts a cut or sore, people can get infections or rashes,” Tom Higginbotham, FDOH-Sarasota environmental administrator, said.

Enterococcus bacteria can come from a variety of natural and human-made sources, according to FDOH. These include pet waste, livestock, birds, land-dwelling and marine wildlife, stormwater runoff, and human sewage from failed septic systems and sewage spills.

To help keep beach water safe for swimming and recreation, beachgoers are asked to not let pets roam on beaches and in park areas, the agency said. They should also pick up pet waste. Additionally, children in diapers and people of all ages with diarrhea should not go into the water.