NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The Hampton-Peninsula Health District has lifted the swimming advisory for Hilton Park Beach in Newport News that was issued late last week.
The advisory was issued June 3 after samples showed that bacteria levels in the water exceeded the state water quality standard.
On Wednesday, June 7, the health district said the newest samples collected show bacterial levels once again meet the state water quality standard for recreational waters.
As a result, the advisory is no longer in effect for this beach.
Recreational waters are monitored for bacteria routinely during the summer swimming season, using indicator organisms such as enterococci, the indicator of choice for estuarine and marine waters.
People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness.
Environmental health officials sample Hilton, Huntington, Yorktown, King-Lincoln Park and Anderson public beaches on a weekly basis during the swimming season from May to September.
Residents are reminded to observe the following guidelines as they enjoy the summer swimming season:
- Do not swim in water that looks stagnant, muddy, or smells unpleasant.
- Avoid swallowing river, stream, lake or other recreational water.
- Prevent direct contact between broken skin and recreational water.
- Avoid swimming in natural water bodies (rivers, streams, lakes, etc.) for several days after a heavy rainfall.
