Swim advisory issued for portion of Edisto Beach

EDISTO ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – A temporary swimming advisory was issued Thursday for a section of beach on Edisto Island.

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services said the short-term swim advisory was in place for water near the access point at Ebbtide Street (Station LC-081). The beach is not closed nor does the advisory affect the entire beach.

Officials say bacteria levels above state and federal standards have been detected in the area of water, and swimming is not advised until bacteria levels return to normal.

“It’s safe to wade, collect shells and fish within this swimming advisory area. However, it’s advised that people entering the water in this area refrain from swallowing it, and that people with open wounds or compromised immune systems avoid contact with the water,” the department said.

Water quality is tested along the oceanfront in accordance with state and federal laws. Short-term advisories usually last a few days and are lifted once follow-up sampling shows bacteria levels are normal.

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