High bacteria levels have prompted the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) to issue a swimming advisory for part of Edisto Beach.
Officials warn people should not swim near the access point in Jeremy Cay off Lost Village Trail. They say recent tests show enterococci bacteria levels above state and federal quality standards. This kind of bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
SCDES says the advisory is short term, which means it could be lifted in a couple of days, once bacteria levels are tested again.
The agency routinely collects water samples to monitor bacteria levels at more than 120 beaches along the South Carolina Coast. Swimmers can monitor levels by visiting des.sc.gov/beachmonitoring.
