What beachgoers need to know about water advisory issued for local beaches

With Memorial Day Weekend approaching, health officials are issuing a beach water advisory.

WXXV News 25’s Asia Ellis reports what beachgoers need to know ahead of their holiday plans.

The water may look inviting, but health experts warn that it could put your Memorial Day Weekend and your health at risk.

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality says recent water tests show high levels of bacteria in sections of local beaches along the Coast. Dr. Brett Kathmann said, “When you get patients who may be exposed to E. coli in the water, typically what we would look out for or what you see most commonly would be stomach type of issues. So, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, things like that. You could also get ear infections if the water gets into your ears. So, patients who may have open wounds on their body and the water gets into it. If it has that type of bacteria, it can cause more worse infections that we typically would see when that bacteria is not present in the water.”

Bacteria levels often rise after heavy rain, stormwater runoff, wildlife, and other human activity, leaving local residents to rethink their Memorial Day plans. Gulfport resident Isaac Whitfield said, “You know, it’s really unfortunate. Memorial Day is one of those holidays where you want to go out in the water with your family, maybe go fishing, just go to the beach and relax. So, as a local to have to travel to do those types of things kind of sucks.”

The advisory does not mean beaches are closed. People can still walk the shoreline, relax on the sand, and enjoy the view, but swimming in the water is not recommended until conditions return to safe levels.

For now, state health officials are urging caution to keep your Memorial Day Weekend safe, enjoyable, and out of the emergency room.