Water quality health advisories, test results for Palm Beach County
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Whether it’s a holiday weekend, a vacation or just a desire to spend a little quiet time in sand and surf, Florida is known for its beaches.
Less desirable is heading to the beach if it’s covered with seaweed or if toxic fumes from red tide permeate the air.
And swimming with enteric bacteria — think fecal pollution — is just plain gross.
We’ve gathered the latest test results and health advisories from the Florida Department of Health and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to help you stay safe before you head out.
Is it safe to swim or fish in Palm Beach County?
This map shows whether any red tide or blue-green algae have been reported.
Weekly data on beach water quality is from the Florida Department of Health. Red tide and algal bloom data are from FWC. Red tide shows conditions from last seven days and algal bloom is from the last 90 days.
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Have any health advisories been issued for beaches in Palm Beach County?
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What is enteric bacteria and what are the symptoms?
Enterococci are enteric bacteria which normally inhabit the intestinal tract of people and animals. It’s an indication of fecal pollution. It may come from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife or human sewage.
They can be ingested while swimming or enter the skin through a cut or sore.
Symptoms include upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritation and skin rashes.
What are blue-green algae and what are symptoms?
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Blue-green algae are types of bacteria called cyanobacteria. They can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and can have a strong odor similar to rotting plants, according to the Florida Department of Health.
If people or animals splash in the water or if boats create wakes, the algae cells can be broken apart, and the cyanotoxins can be released into the air. The toxins mix with water droplets and spray, causing people and animals to potentially inhale the toxin.
Water from areas with blue-green algae can make animals and people sick. These toxins can’t pass through your skin easily so swallowing large amounts of contaminated water is what causes illness.
For some people, exposure to blue-green algae can cause rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. People who are very sensitive to smells can have respiratory irritation. Sometimes, high exposures of toxin can affect the liver and nervous system.
What is red tide and what are symptoms?
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Karenia brevis is a naturally occurring, single-celled organism belonging to a group of algae called dinoflagellates.
Red tide can cause coughing and sneezing and can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. Reactions to red tide can be worse for people with asthma, emphysema, bronchitis or any chronic lung disease, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Swimming in or around red tide can cause skin irritation, rashes and burning and sore eyes. If you come into contact with red tide, wash off with soap and water, especially if your skin is easily irritated.
Red tide toxins also can accumulate in filter-feeders such as oysters and clams, which can lead to neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in people who consume contaminated shellfish.
Is there sargassum on the beach? Check latest conditions with these webcams
Substantial sargassum is expected in June in both the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, according to the latest report from the University of South Florida.
That’s no surprise to beachgoers who have been seeing the smelly seaweed on Florida beaches from Pensacola to Brevard County.
Florida beach live webcams:See surf, waves, sargassum conditions around the Sunshine State
Use these webcams to see the crowds, surf, waves and sargassum where you’re going.
Here are few ideas of things to do around Florida
➤ Planning a Florida vacation?The Sunshine State’s best-kept secrets beyond the beach
➤ Florida bucket list:65 fun things to do, places to visit from the Keys to the Panhandle
➤ Best beaches:What’s the best beach near me? Stuart Beach ranked as a top 10 Southern beach for 2023
➤ Seashell hunter?Expert lists 10 rare seashells you can find on Florida beaches. Good luck!
