Travel

High Bacteria Levels Shut Down Myrtle Beach Swimming

Bacteria levels are so high at one spot along the shore in Myrtle Beach, health officials are advising against swimming.

Kimberly Johnson, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
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MYRTLE BEACH, SC -- Soon, legions of North Carolina beachgoers will be headed to the coast for some seasonal R&R that include time along South Carolina's Grand Strand. If you’re headed to Myrtle Beach in the short term, however, you might want to stay out of the water near the section of beach near 77th Avenue North.

Health officials issued a temporary swimming advisory May 1 for the swimming area near 77th Avenue North due to heightened levels of enterococcus bacteria, however said it was safe to wade in the water, collect shells and fish.

Source: SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
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DHEC has erected signs around the contaminated area. Beach goers may also check conditions on DHEC's beach access and water quality guide found here.

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Photo via Maria Cormack-Pitts/Patch

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