HAMPTON, Va. — Several beaches across Hampton Roads are now open and safe for swimmers, after advisories were lifted.
The swim advisories for Norfolk, Hampton and Newport News have been lifted Thursday after officials tested the water at the affected beaches and deemed it safe for residents.
This comes after health officials urged swimmers to stay out of the water earlier this week, due to high levels of bacteria. The affected beaches are Captain's Quarters and 5th Bay Beach in Ocean View, a section of Buckroe Beach at the end of South Resort Road by the James T. Wilson Fishing Pier, as well as Anderson Park Beach in Newport News.
The bacteria levels at those beaches exceeded the state water quality standards for swimming, according to the state health department.
Signs were posted at the beaches alerting people of the advisory. saying, "Warning swimmers - bacteria levels do not meet state water quality standards, swimming not advised until further notice."
Officials said anyone who came into contact with the water could face an elevated risk, especially children who are more likely to swallow the water or individuals who have open wounds or weakened immune systems.
“We encourage the public to protect their health by complying with this advisory,” said Mary Wainwright, the environmental health manager of the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts. “Typically, an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to a safe level.”
