New App Tracks Beach Water Quality

An iPhone app that allows beachgoers to monitor the water quality of at their favorire stretch of sand has expanded to South Carolina.

The Swim Guide smart phone app allows individuals to find safe beaches and swimming areas to recreate and enjoy their waterways.

The free app is the product of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a network of 200 water protection groups worldwide. The group released the app today, on the 40th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act.

“Every year, millions of people get sick from coming into contact with polluted water at their local beaches,” said Pete Nichols, National Director for the Waterkeeper Alliance.  “The Swim Guide provides a free, easy to use, way for beach goers to find a beach where their families can swim and enjoy the beach safely."

Provided and managed by member groups within the Waterkeeper Alliance, the Swim Guide helps the user locate the closest, cleanest beach, get directions, view photos and determine if the water is safe for swimming.

The Swim Guide also allows the user to share the whole adventure with your friends and family on your social networks.

The Swim Guide utilizes water quality monitoring data from government authorities to determine the water quality at nearly 2500 beaches in the United States and is updated as frequently as the water quality information is gathered.

In addition to the locations launched today, the Swim Guide includes descriptions and photographs of nearly beaches across North America.