BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
DELRAY BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2023 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The closure of beaches in Boca Raton has now been expanded into Delray Beach and other locations in Palm Beach County. High levels of bacteria are being recorded the ocean. Swimming is now prohibited. The City of Delray Beach issued this advisory Wednesday morning.
The City of Delray Beach has closed the beach to swimming area of its municipal beach until further notice. The beach remains open, however for the safety of our residents and visitors, swimming is prohibited.
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Palm Beach County posted a HEALTH ADVISORY for Delray Beach and other locations throughout Palm Beach County after recent sampling showed elevated bacterial levels in the water. The FDOH found levels to be greater than 71 colonies per milliliters of marine water putting Delray Beach in the poor range*. Causes of the elevated level that prompted the advisory are unknown but heavy rains, high surf, and heavy traffic can contribute. Generally poor ratings are associated with wildlife, heavy recreational usage, high surf from high winds and high tides or runoff following heavy rains. DOH-Palm Beach always encourages rinsing with fresh water after swimming in any natural body of water.
As a precaution, double red flags are posted on the beach warning beachgoers that the water is closed to the public. Additional samples will be drawn today for retesting. Once new sample results are received, the City will be able to determine when full use of the beach may resume.
