Health officials have issued a swimming advisory for several areas of Flagler County beach after tests revealed elevated levels of bacteria.

  • Several portions of Flagler Beach closed due to high bacteria levels
  • Not uncommon after big storms, health official says

Wading and swimming is not recommended at this time for the Washington Oaks, Beverly Beach and Gamble Rogers areas of the beach.

A swimming advisory means that contact with the affected water may pose an increased risk of infectious disease based upon Environmental Protection Agency criteria. If bacteria are present in high concentrations in recreational waters, they could enter the body either by ingestion or through a cut or sore and could cause human disease, infections or rashes.

“It is not uncommon to see elevated bacteria levels after a storm like Hurricane Matthew,” Environmental Health Administrator John Bey said in a statement issued by the Florida Department of Health.

The advisories will be posted in the areas that have tested high for bacteria.

Water sampling will continue and the beach advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level.