Tybee Island: Swimming Advisory from Health Department

Health Department recommends no swimming or wading in the advisory area.

By: Randi Hempel | WSAV-TV
Published: February 03, 2010

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CHATHAM COUNTY, GA – Polk Street Beach on Tybee Island has been placed under advisory by the Chatham County Health Department. The advisory area is the northern most part of Tybee Island at the mouth of the Savannah River from the end of the beach to the jetty.
Routine water quality tests show the beach water in this area contains a higher than normal level of enterococci bacteria, which increases the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers.
The Chatham County Health Department recommends you do not swim or wade in the water in this area. Fish and other seafood caught from this area should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating.
This area will be retested and the advisory will be lifted when the follow-up tests show the bacteria levels fall below the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended standard.