High levels of bacteria have been found in the waters of Blind Pass Beach on Sanibel Island.
These levels were found during routine testing conducted by Lee County health officials Thursday. Because of these levels, which do not meet the Florida Department of Health safety standards of enterococcus bacteria, a “no swim” advisory has been established.
Blind Pass Beach is located at 6497 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel Island.
Thirteen beaches are tested weekly for enterococci bacteria. According to the DOH in Lee County, when at high levels, this type of bacteria can “indicate the presence of microorganisms that could cause disease, infections or rashes.” The most common symptoms are rashes, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Blind Pass Beach has been monitored since 2000 as part of the Healthy Beaches Program; this is the first advisory of this location in 2015. Sample records from the DOH in Lee County show that the samples from Oct. 26 and 28 were poor, as they contained at least 105 Enterococcus specimens per 100 mL sample of water. Zero to 35 per 100 mL is considered good, and 36 to 104 is considered moderate.
Under the advisory, swimming and wading in the waters is not recommended.
This advisory will continue until the bacteria levels are back to a safe level. The next test results will be available Tuesday, Nov. 3.