Media contact:

Ethan Johnson 386-274-0817

Chd64pio@flhealth.gov

Daytona Beach — The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County has issued swim advisories for six areas of beach. The advisories are a result of recent water sampling conducted as part of the Healthy Beaches Program. Advisory signs have been posted.

This is a precautionary advisory and not a closure.

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.

The areas where advisories are posted are limited to:

• Silver Beach Ave, Daytona Beach
• Frank Rendon Park, Daytona Beach Shores
• Dunlawton Ave, Daytona Beach Shores
• Toronita Ave., Wilbur by the Sea
• South Jetty, New Smyrna Beach
• 27th , New Smyrna Beach

The Healthy Beaches Program monitors 10 sites that span more than 40 miles of Volusia County’s beaches. Bacteria levels were acceptable at all other sites tested. The advisory only is for the areas listed. The advisory will be lifted when bacteria levels drop.

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.

Bacteria levels at the affected sites ranged from 86 to 473.

Established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, enterococci single sample criteria are:

• Good: 0-35 Enterococci CFU per 100 ml of marine water
• Moderate: 36-70 Enterococci CFU per 100 ml of marine water
• Poor (unsatisfactory): 71 or greater Enterococci CFU per 100 ml of marine water

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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