Virginia Beach lifts swim advisory for parts of Sandbridge

Virginia Beach lifted a swimming advisory for a section of Sandbridge Beach between Chubb Lane and Porters Island Road Thursday after re-sampling showed that the bacteria level in the water was once again safe for swimming and wading.

Swimming and wading between Chubb Lane and Porters Island Road were prohibited Wednesday after testing revealed the area doesn’t meet water quality standards. .

Virginia Beach monitors recreational waters weekly for bacteria using indicator organisms such as enterococcus, which can determine the extent of fecal contamination in the waters. People swimming in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard increase their risk of developing gastrointestinal illness, skin, eye or respiratory infections, according to the news release.

The high bacteria levels might have been caused by waste from wildlife, domestic pets, storm and agricultural runoff, breaks in wastewater pipes and boat discharge, according to the release. Heavy rain also contributes to higher bacteria levels.

“We encourage residents and visitors to protect their health by complying with this advisory,” said Brad DeLashmutt, environmental health supervisor with the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health. “These advisories are typically temporary and can be caused by any warm-blooded animal – from birds congregating on the beach to owners failing to clean up after their dog. The advisory will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to safe levels.”

Residents can monitor swimming advisories in their area by checking the beach monitoring map.