by: Lorena Inclan, Action News Jax Updated: Jun 29, 2017 - 9:56 AM <\/p>\n
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. - UPDATE: St. Simons Island beach advisories lifted <\/p>\n
Health officials again tested the water at two St. Simons Island beaches Wednesday to see if bacteria levels have gone down. <\/p>\n
Action News Jax told you about the beach advisories at East Beach and Massengale Park Beach Tuesday. The results from Wednesdays test are expected on Thursday. <\/p>\n
Signs were posted at certain beach access points warning beachgoers about the higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in the water. <\/p>\n
TRENDING: Woman facing charges after overdosing while 7 months pregnant, police say <\/p>\n
I saw people testing the water early in the morning. We realized that something is going on, Giovanny Figueroa said. <\/p>\n
The warning didnt seem to stop many from going in anyway. Others didnt even know about the advisory until Action News Jax's Lorena Inclan told them. <\/p>\n
Now that we know, probably we have to think about it, about the young kids, Figueroa said. <\/p>\n
And with July Fourth weekend just days away, you can expect to see busy beaches. <\/p>\n
District environmental health director Todd Driver said routine testing detected high levels of the enterococcus bacteria. <\/p>\n
Which is a bacteria that is found in the gut of warm-blooded animals, humans and animals, Driver said. <\/p>\n
The elevated levels were found in East Beach from 10th Street to Driftwood Drive and Massengale Park Beach from Driftwood Drive to Cedar Street. <\/p>\n
Theres no way of knowing if youll get sick from it, but Driver said if you go in the water, youre at a higher risk of developing symptoms. <\/p>\n
FLORIDA NEWS: 'Cash me ousside' girl pleads guilty to juvenile charges <\/p>\n
Gastrointestinal illness, stomach illnesses, said Driver. <\/p>\n
Its unclear where the bacteria came from, but possible sources include stormwater runoff and boating waste. <\/p>\n
If those results fall below the EPAs recommended maximum levels of bacteria, at that point the Health Department will lift that advisory, said Driver. <\/p>\n
Even if the advisory isnt lifted before the holiday weekend, beaches will remain open -- but if you get in the water, youre doing so at your own risk. <\/p>\n
2017 Cox Media Group. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Read the original here:<\/p>\n
Swim at your own risk at 2 St. Simons Island beaches with higher-than-normal bacteria levels - ActionNewsJax.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" by: Lorena Inclan, Action News Jax Updated: Jun 29, 2017 - 9:56 AM ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. Continue reading