Swimmers advised to stay out of the water at the Yacht Club beach
The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is advising the public not to enter the water at the Cape Coral Yacht Club due to high levels of bacteria identified in routine testing.
Tests completed April 18, “indicate that the water quality at the Cape Coral Yacht Club does not meet the safety criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health. Water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals,” a release from the agency issued Thursday morning states.
No wading or swimming at the Cape Coral Yacht Club, 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 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 such as, diarrhea and abdominal pain,” the release states.
This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level.
New test results should be available for the Cape Coral Yacht Club on Tuesday afternoon, April 23.
This riverfront beach park is at 5819 Driftwood Parkway.
Visit lee.floridahealth.gov/ for more information.