Health officials in Martin County are advising people to avoid water contact at 10 locations this weekend after testing found unsafe levels of fecal bacteria. The Department of Health in Martin County issued the advisory based on water samples collected Monday. The affected sites are Sandsprit Park, Bathtub Beach, Charlie Leighton Park, Stuart Sandbar, Jensen Beach Causeway, Stuart Causeway, Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge, Jensen Beach, Bob Graham Beach and Hobe Sound Beach. The advisory covers all 10 locations, where the department is urging the public to stay out of the water because of the poor test results.
Exposure to the water could raise swimmers’ risk of illness, according to the health department. Officials believe recent wind, king tides and stormwater runoff following heavy rainfall likely contributed to the poor water quality. The bacteria concerns came alongside rough beach conditions Friday, when the water was choppy and a red flag was flying.
For some people visiting the beach, the surf alone was enough to rule out swimming, even without considering the health advisory. The water quality warning added another concern for those hoping to get into the water over the weekend.
Beachgoer Dan Casamento said the conditions made swimming unappealing. “You know, it's not safe to swim in the water, especially at this time of year when you want to be in the water,” he said. Valentin Kapranoe, a seasonal visitor, initially focused on the waves before learning about the advisory. “Very good waves. It's rough sea, but you told me something is wrong,” Kapranoe said. Once he knew health officials were recommending that people avoid contact with the water, he expressed concern about the conditions. “I would be a little bit concerned for sure,” he said.
For beachgoer Charlene Cook, the advisory was disappointing, particularly for people spending a vacation in the area. “What a shame especially if you're vacationing,” Cook said. Her concerns also extended beyond whether people could swim. “What bothers me the most is the runoff from the lawns and the lawn treatments and what it does to the environment,” she said.
The health department plans to collect another round of water samples Monday, provided conditions permit the testing. Officials expect water quality to become more stable as the weather improves. The planned sampling will follow the Monday tests that prompted the warning at the 10 locations.