Hurricane Idalia flooded Anna Maria Island beaches. It may not be safe to swim yet
A no-swim advisory has been issued for Manatee County following Hurricane Idalia.
The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County announced the countywide no-swim advisory in a press release Friday morning, calling it a precaution due to the potential effects on water quality related to Hurricane Idalia.
“At this time, swimming is not recommended,” the health department said.
Tests conducted by the Florida Department of Health to determine the water quality at public beach locations following the storm are expected to resume Tuesday, Sept. 5, after the Labor Day holiday.
In the meantime, Manatee County Government will also conduct water quality tests and share the results with the Department of Health in order to provide up-to-date and accurate data for residents following the storm.
“We want residents and visitors to know that we are conducting these rapid tests using approved labs and methods to ensure their safety and will provide the results to the DOH for their updates as appropriate,” Bill Logan, Manatee County’s public information officer, wrote in an email to the Bradenton Herald Friday afternoon.
Floodwater remains in the Bradenton area, including Anna Maria Island, after the storm dropped up to 4 inches of rain and brought 3 1/2 feet of storm surge to Manatee County.
The Bradenton Police Department shared images of crews working to remove hazardous debris along the Palma Sola Bay Causeway Friday morning.
Until test results are available, the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County said residents should assume that water contact may pose an increased risk of disease or illness, especially for susceptible individuals, such as children, older adults or those with compromised immune systems.
No-swim advisory after Idalia
The health department also said residents should avoid contact with floodwaters that come from an overflow of rivers, lakes or oceans, as floodwater may contain fecal matter from sewage systems and septic tanks, as well as agricultural and industrial waste.
Floodwaters can also mask debris, downed power lines and other hazards, the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County said in a press release.
The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County recommends residents take the following precautions after hurricanes:
- Follow basic hygiene. Always wash your hands with soap and water that has been disinfected or boiled then cooled or with commercially bottled water before eating and after toilet use.
Do not allow children to play in floodwater. They can be exposed to water contaminated with fecal matter.
Do not allow children to play with toys that have been in floodwater until the toys have been disinfected. Use one-fourth of a cup of bleach in one gallon of water to disinfect toys and other items.
If you have open cuts or sores exposed to the floodwater, keep them as clean as possible by washing them with soap and disinfected or boiled-then-cooled water or commercially bottled water. Apply antibiotic cream to reduce the risk of infection. If a wound or sore develops redness, swelling or drainage, see a physician.
After helping in cleanup activities and after handling items contaminated by floodwater or sewage, wash hands with soap and water.
The latest testing on marine beaches will be updated on DOH’s website www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality/index.html.
For further information, visit www.floridahealth.gov or www.FloridaDisaster.org.
This story was originally published September 1, 2023 at 12:55 PM.
