People warned against going to SWFL beaches due to bacteria, debris, sewage

A warning for people in Southwest Florida ahead of the weekend: Don’t swim at the beach, or you might get sick from bacteria or other hazards.

Health officials are warning that a dip in the Gulf of Mexico isn’t worth the risk, as bacteria in the water could make you seriously ill. Two weeks after Hurricane Ian hit our area, some people are slowly getting back to normal, which for many means going to the beach for a swim, but right now that is not the best time. There are still many things that can hurt you in the water, including debris that can cut you and bacteria and sewage that can cause infections.

The Department of Health staff performed water quality tests at some of Southwest Florida’s beaches, and some came back normal, while others were poor. But the tests are only for a certain type of bacteria that causes gastric illnesses.

Officials say another reason to stay off the beach is to let crews do their job of cleaning them of debris. Kristy Gibbs, one helping to clean our beaches, grew up in Florida and says it’s devastating to see our beaches blocked off and unsafe to swim in.

“It’s everything to everybody when you come to Florida, you gotta go to the beach—now we can’t,” Gibbs said. “Hopefully, we get everything back online back here soon, though, and we’ll get everyone going, and it’ll open up back, quickly.”

Several beaches will have signs reading “closed,” along with caution tape and cones keeping people away. If those aren’t present, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should, as the water at that beach could still harbor undetected bacteria or other risks. The DOH will continue to test our waters.