Haulover Swimming Advisory Lifted; 3 Others In Effect

SUNNY ISLES, FL — The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County has lifted a swimming advisory for one of the largest Miami area beaches while three other advisories remain in effect.

The advisory issued for Haulover South Beach was lifted Wednesday.

"Based on a satisfactory microbial water quality test result, the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County is lifting the swimming advisory that was issued on Feb. 5, 2019 for the beach site at Haulover South Beach," health officials said.

Three other swimming advisories remain in effect for Gilbert Samson Ocean Front Park at 174th Street off Collins Ave in Sunny Isles, Bal Harbour Beach at 96th Street and Collins Avenue as well as the 79 Street Dog Beach in Miami Beach.

"There is no cause as to why these samples are high, but many possibilities exist such as changes in temperature, water currents, weather patterns, rainfall, etc.," said Miami Beach officials. "The Florida Department of Health has also issued swimming advisories at other beaches in Miami-Dade County, which suggests that the conditions are not site-specific."

The Florida Department of Health conducts weekly microbial water quality sampling along the Atlantic coast of Miami Beach. High microbial counts have been detected at 79 Street Dog Beach.

It is recommended not swimming at this location at this time. Daily samples will be taken. Upon satisfactory results, the swimming advisory will be lifted and you will receive a notification.

There is no cause as to why these samples are high, but many possibilities exist such as changes in temperature, water currents, weather patterns, rainfall, etc. The Florida Department of Health has also issued swimming advisories at other beaches in Miami-Dade County, which suggests that the conditions are not site-specific.

The Florida Department of Health conducts weekly microbial water quality sampling along the Atlantic coast of Miami Beach. High microbial counts have been detected at 79 Street Dog Beach.

It is recommended not swimming at this location at this time. Daily samples will be taken. Upon satisfactory results, the swimming advisory will be lifted and you will receive a notification.

There is no cause as to why these samples are high, but many possibilities exist such as changes in temperature, water currents, weather patterns, rainfall, etc. The Florida Department of Health has also issued swimming advisories at other beaches in Miami-Dade County, which suggests that the conditions are not site-specific.

The advisories recommend not swimming at either of those locations at this time.

"The results of the sampling indicate that water contact may pose an increased risk of illness, particularly for susceptible individuals," health officials explained in imposing the advisories.

Such advisories are issued when water samples exceed federal and state recommended standards for enterococci, which is greater than 70 colony forming units of enterococci per 100 ml in a single sample.

For more information, visit the Florida Healthy Beaches Program website and Select “Beach Water Quality” from the Environmental Health topics list.

"The prevalence of enteric bacteria is an indicator of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water run-off, wildlife, pets and human sewage," health officials explained.

Photo at Haulover Park beach by Paul Scicchitano