Public health officials have issued an advisory for Tybee Island’s Polk Street Beach after water quality tests indicated a high level of gastrointestinal illness-causing bacteria.
The advisory does not close the beach and is only in effect for that specific beach, located on Tybee’s north at the month of the Savannah River stretching from the end of the beach to the jetty, said Sally Silbermann, Chatham County Health Department spokeswoman.
Routine water test taken Tuesday found a high level of enterococci bacteria that can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers.
Silbermann said the health department suggests people do not swim or wade in the water in the area. Additionally, seafood caught in the area should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and cooked thoroughly before being eaten.
Officials will retest the water Thursday, Silbermann said. The advisory will be lifted once testing shows bacteria levels are consistent with the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended standards.