No-Swim Advisory Issued For Beach On Anna Maria Island: DOH

ANNA MARIA, FL — A no-swim advisory was issued for Bayfront Park North on Anna Maria Island after high levels of the enteric (enterococci) bacteria were found in the water, the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County said in a news release.

A no-swim advisory indicates that water contact may pose an increased risk of infectious diseases to humans, the DOH added.

Bayfront Park North is located near the north end of Bayfront Park, about 100 feet south of the northern park boundary.

Water samples taken at Bayfront Park North Aug. 16 and 18 showed elevated levels of the bacteria. The advisory will be in effect under the water meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety guidelines.

No other water recreation areas in Manatee County are under advisory.

Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Bradenton newsletters and real-time email alerts.

The county has conducted beach water quality monitoring since August 2002 through the Healthy Beaches monitoring program. The water samples are analyzed for enterococci, which may cause human disease, infections or rashes, the DOH said.

Enterococci bacteria lives in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, including humans, according to the EPA. Sources of this bacteria in bodies of water include wastewater treatment plant effluent, leaking septic systems, stormwater runoff, sewage from recreation boats, pets and wildlife waste, improper handling or runoff from manure storage areas.