Red tide advisory in effect for South Marco Beach in Collier County

The Florida Department of Health has informed the public of the presence of red tide reported near South Marco Beach.

The FDOH performed a water sample on Monday, where the presence of the algae bloom was found.

In addition to the advisory issued, several Collier County beaches have been reported to have red tide, including Clam Pass, Barefoot Beach, Wiggins Pass, Naples Pier, Barefoot Beach State Preserve, Vanderbilt Beach, and Seagate.

Caution is advised for beachgoers, and the following precautions issued by the FDOH should be taken if affected by the algae:

• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if you have had recent contact
  with red tide, especially if your skin is easily irritated.
• Remain cautious and stay away from this location, especially if you have chronic
  respiratory conditions.
• Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the air
  conditioner. Make sure the air conditioner filter is maintained according to the manufacturer’s
  specifications.
• Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish or distressed or dead fish from this location. If
  caught alive and healthy, finfish are safe to eat as long as they are filleted and the guts
  are discarded. Rinse fillets with tap or bottled water.
• Red tide can cause illness and death of other animals, such as pets and livestock. Keep
  animals away and out of the water and sea life and away from dead marine life. If your
  pet swims in waters with red tide, wash them with soap and water as soon as possible.
• Do not wade or swim in or around red tide. Red tide can cause skin irritation, rashes,
  and burning/sore eyes.

Lee County beaches and also Charlotte County beaches have already been subjected to red tide warnings.