Bahia Beach in Ruskin isn’t safe for swimming, health department says

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County warned against swimming and recreational activities at Bahia Beach on the Bahia Beach Nature Preserve in Ruskin.

Tests completed on Thursday showed that the water quality didn’t meet the recreational criteria for Enterococcus bacteria, more commonly known as fecal matter. The agency said water activities at the beach would have an increased risk of illness for swimmers.

Sampling conducted during regular water quality monitoring showed that the level of bacteria exceeded the level established by state guidelines. This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are back at a safe level. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.