Despite reports online claiming a "do not swim" advisory at parts of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina health officials are stressing that water quality at affected beaches has not changed significantly in more than five years.
According to a report on myrtlebeachsc.com posted on March 1, a "do not swim" advisory had been put out for all city beaches in Myrtle Beach. The website noted that there were 14 signs along a 9.9 mile stretch of beach warning against swimming within 200 feet of a posted warning.
Jim Beasley, the public information director for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, said the signs, which have been posted at several beaches along the "Grand Strand" since 2007, are to warn swimmers that there may be unacceptable levels of bacteria in the water, especially after heavy rainfall.
"We monitor the water quality at the beaches with long-term advisory signs, but we do not issue temporary advisories because signs are already posted," Beasley said. "Although these beaches have long-term advisory signs, the majority of the water quality samples we collect at these beaches does not exceed the state standard for bacteria levels. If bacteria are found to be greater than the state standard, we issue a temporary advisory for that portion of the beach."
The signs read: "Long-term swimming advisory signs are posted at this location. Swimming is not advised within 200 feet on either side of the sign because high bacteria levels may be present, especially following rain due to storm water runoff. Wading, fishing, and shell collecting do not present a risk. Health problems typically come from swallowing the water."
According to the South Carolina DHEC, the most common recreational water illnesses from swimming in water with high rates of bacteria are gastrointestinal. Swallowing contaminated water may cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain or fever. Contact with contaminated water can also cause upper respiratory and wound infections. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable to recreational water illnesses.
A follow-up posted on myrtlebeachsc.com noted that none of the beaches have been closed, and said that a "no swim advisory indicates that bacteria levels are above the accepted levels and therefore the state of [South Carolina] cautions locals and tourists against swimming in such areas." But Beasley said even though some of the posted signs are permanent, bacteria in the water may be within acceptable levels - water samples from 44 Myrtle beach locations taken earlier this month all came back within acceptable levels.
"An advisory means that DHEC advises individuals not to swim in the area 200 feet on either side of the sign. Advisories do not mean that the beach is closed," Beasley said. "Advisory signs are placed on the beach at access points to ensure they are highly visible. Advisories are lifted when sample results fall below the state standard for bacteria levels. The signs are then removed, and the media is notified that the advisory has been lifted."
Temporary advisories are posted on the agency's website at www.scdhec.gov/Agency/NewsReleases.
Reach Lydia Nuzum at lydia.nuzum@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5189 or follow @lydianuzum on Twitter.