Health department issues water advisory for 3 Miami-Dade beach areas
MIAMI - The July 4th holiday into the weekend is going to be hot and many people will heat the beach to cool off with a swim in the ocean.
The state's Department of Health in Miami-Dade is urging people to stay out of the water at three beaches due to a higher-than-acceptable level of bacteria.
They've issued a water quality advisory for:
- Oleta River State Park, North Miami Beach
- Surfside - 93rd Street, Surfside
- Collins Park - 21st Street, Miami Beach
According to the health department, tests of these three areas on July 3rd showed that it did not meet the recreational water quality criteria for rnterococcus bacteria.
"We got here and there's a red flag and they said we couldn't go in because of the bacteria that accumulated during the rains," said beachgoer Christine Lorenz.
Double red flags are flying, meaning no swimming.
Tatiana Olbrice is celebrating the Fourth of July at the beach with her family. She'll likely go in the water, despite the warning.
"There's bacteria everywhere. So I'm pretty sure I'm gonna get in the water still. But I might not, you know, spend as long in the water but doesn't really bother me," she said.
Enterococcus bacteria found in the water usually suggest the "…presence of fecal material in water," which according to the EPA is "…typically not considered harmful to humans…" but it "…may indicate that other disease-causing agents such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa may also be present." A higher than-acceptable concentration is an indicator of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater run-off, wildlife, pets, and human sewage.
"I'm okay with that. I mean, I don't have any open skin. I'm a nurse myself. So if you have any open skin or anything like that, I will be concerned," said Gabriella Echagaray, another beachgoer.
"We go to the beach a lot. It's stay out of the water. But you can still enjoy the beach," said local Patty Novoa.
She and her family are prepared to adjust their plans.
"I guess we just got to deal with it the way we best we can enjoy the time with the family on the beach. And I guess just jump in the pool," her husband Ryan Vogt added.
The health department advises against any water-related activities at these locations. Swimming in the water poses an increased risk of getting sick, especially for people with pre-existing conditions.
