‘No Swimming’: High Bacteria Levels Found In North Myrtle Beach Waters

CHARLOTTE, NC -- Some vacationers headed to South Carolina’s Grand Strand for the July 4th holiday will need to spend their time on their towels and out of the ocean after heightened bacteria levels prompted state officials to issue a health warning against swimming.

Health officials issued a temporary swimming advisory June 29 for the swimming area around 16th Avenue North in North Myrtle Beach.

“High bacteria levels have been detected in this section of beach, and swimming is not advised until bacteria levels return to normal,” Sean Torrens, a spokesperson for the state’s Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Pee Dee office told WCCB. “To guard against the possibility of swallowing water, it’s best to keep your head up and out of the water,” he said.

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“People with open cuts or other wounds should also avoid contact with the water,” Torrens said.

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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