LEE COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) has lifted the Health Advisory for Cape Coral Yacht Club and Bowditch Point Park. Testing results indicate bacteria levels are within the accepted health level.

The beach water quality monitoring program continues year-round in Lee County and samples are collected and tested on a weekly basis. The results are posted on the FloridaHealthy Beaches Program website at:https://lee.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/environmental-health/healthy-beaches/index.html.

Original notice follows

LEE COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) is advising the public not to enter the water at Cape Coral Yacht Club or Bowditch Point Park due to high levels of bacteria identified in routine testing. These beach parks are located at:

• 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33904
• 50 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

Tests completed on September 28, 2023, indicate that the water quality at Cape Coral Yacht Club and Bowditch Point Park do not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health. Water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals. Due to these risks, no wading or swimming at Cape Coral Yacht Club or Bowditch Point Park is recommended.

Enterococcus bacteria normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The presence of an elevated concentration of these bacteria is an indicator of possible pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets, wildlife, or sewage.

Elevated levels of Enterococcus bacteria have been associated with an increased risk of swimming-associated gastroenteritis illness (diarrhea and abdominal pain).

This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level.