Daytona Beach, FL. - The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County has issued a swim advisory for the Main Street area of the beach in Daytona Beach. The advisory has been issued as a result of recent water sampling as part of the Healthy Beaches Program. Advisory signs have been posted.

A swim advisory means that contact with the water may pose an increased risk of infectious disease based upon Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criteria, and swimming is not recommended at this time.

This is a precautionary advisory and not a closure. Environmental health experts said the increase in levels is a natural variation. The advisory will be lifted when bacteria levels drop.

The Main Street area represents a small section of Volusia County's coastline. The Healthy Beaches Program monitors 13 sites that span more than 40 miles of the County's beaches. Bacteria levels were lower at all other sites tested. The advisory only is for the area around this site.

Every two weeks, ocean water samples are analyzed for enterococci bacteria. Enterococci bacteria can be found in the intestinal tract of humans and other animals. Associated bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness, upper respiratory infections, or skin infections if open wounds or sores exist.

An additional ocean water sample was taken Friday. If results received Saturday return to acceptable levels, the advisory will be lifted.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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