Swim advisories remain in 4 sections of local beaches, DHEC lifts 6

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control issued temporary swimming advisories on Wednesday for several sections of local beaches after high bacteria levels were detected.

As of Thursday evening, DHEC lifted some of those advisories, as bacteria levels no longer exceed water quality standards.

But advisories continue 200 feet above and below the following affected area:

• 16^th Avenue North in North Myrtle Beach - sample measured 1,785
• 34^th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach - sample measured 3,873
• 11^th Avenue North in Surfside Beach - sample measured 142
• 3^rd Avenue South in Surfside Beach - sample measured 121

Officials lifted advisories in the following areas:

• 53^rd Avenue North in Myrtle Beach/Deep Head Swash - sample measured 471
• 15^th Avenue South in Myrtle Beach - sample measured 368
• 23^rd Avenue South in Myrtle Beach - sample measured 1,118
• Nash Drive in Horry County - sample measured 4,106
• Outfall in Myrtle Beach State Park in Horry County - sample measured 460
• 16^th Avenue North in Surfside Beach - sample measured 221

DHEC says swimming is not advised in the remaining affected areas until bacteria levels return to normal. Swimming is not advised if the ETCOC — enterococcus bacteria — measurement is greater than 104. The samples for the listed areas were collected June 12.

"It is safe to wade, collect shells and fish within the swimming advisory area," officials stated in the release. "To guard against the possibility of swallowing the water, it's best to keep your head up and out of the water. People with open cuts or other wounds should also avoid contact with the water."

This story was originally published June 13, 2018 at 4:43 PM with the headline "Swim advisories remain in 4 sections of local beaches, DHEC lifts 6."