Health officials issue beach advisories: Cape Coral Yacht Club and Bowditch Point Park test high for bacteria
The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) is advising the public not to enter the water at Cape Coral Yacht Club or Bowditch Point Park due to high levels of bacteria identified in routine testing.
These beach parks are located at:
Cape Coral Yacht Club
5819 Driftwood Parkway, Cape Coral
Bowditch Point Park
50 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach
Tests completed on Sept. 28, indicate that the water quality at Cape Coral Yacht Club and Bowditch Point Park do not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health. Water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals. Due to these risks, no wading or swimming at Cape Coral Yacht Club or Bowditch Point Park is recommended.
Enterococcus bacteria normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The presence of an elevated concentration of these bacteria is an indicator of possible pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets, wildlife, or sewage.
Elevated levels of Enterococcus bacteria have been associated with an increased risk of swimming-associated gastroenteritis illness (diarrhea and abdominal pain).
This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. New test results should be available for Cape Coral Yacht Club and Bowditch Point Park on Tuesday, Oct. 3.
For more information call 239-274-2200 or go to lee.floridahealth.gov.
About the Florida Department of Health
The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
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Source: DOH-Lee