Bacteria levels often spike after a storm, due to polluted runoff from our streets, lawns, and infrastructure malfunctions. Despite the abundance of caution everyone is taking right now, we think the abundance of fabulous Galveston cuisine shouldn’t be overlooked. When a sample comes back with a high level of enterococcus, the site is tested daily until the level subsides, which typically occurs within 48 hours. This is why it’s illegal to dump untreated waste in the Bay and to dump either treated or untreated waste into Clear Lake. These results were posted to Swim Guide on March 13th, 2020 at 9:44 AM. Luckily, our bacteria monitoring program has shown that most of the time bacteria levels in Galveston Bay are low enough to be considered safe for swimming. Is it safe to walk the shore or go swimming if I'm socially distancing? Ambulance Services It’s no wonder so many people in the Houston/Galveston region choose to cool off with outdoor activities on the water, such as swimming and boating. A beach water advisory is issued for the beach adjacent to testing site when water quality standards for the bacteria are exceeded. To conclude, Galveston has very safe beaches for you and your family. Health Risk, Seafood Texas Beach Watch is part of a national program that tests hundreds of recreational swimming locations in the United States for a bacterial indicator called enterococcus. As we get deeper into the month of May and online schooling comes to … That’s the potential for a lot of waste! Enterococcus is a bacteria naturally found in the intestine and waste of all mammals, including humans. People with diabetes, liver disease, cancer or other immune suppressing conditions who swim in natural bodies of water with open cuts or sores are at an increased risk for Vibrio vulnificus. It’s important to keep an eye on the area for infection or swelling. The most recent fecal bacteria concentrations for each location are recorded on GBF’s Bacteria Results Map, which can be found at galvbay.org/citizenscience/. As stated before, swimming in natural bodies of water comes at its risks, but as long as you follow the rules of the beach, you should have a great non-worrisome time. Sign up to get the latest Report Card update and new cover GCHD routinely tests 52 beach sites through the program. Boats with toilets or heads on board also have the potential to contribute to bacteria contamination in Galveston Bay, because even “treated” waste has elevated concentrations of fecal bacteria. Safety is the highest priority and there are some precautions that can be taken to help avoid sharks: This organism produces a toxin that affects the central nervous system of fish so that they are paralyzed and cannot breathe. Read on to learn more! Watch out for large amounts of algae floating in the water, or dead fish or wildlife in the area. In addition, human and animal waste introduces nutrients into the bay that can lead to algal blooms and subsequent fish kills, and localized bacteria hot spots can make conditions temporarily unsafe for swimming. Fecal bacteria (Enterococcus sp.) Texas Beach Watch advisories NOT related to Vibrio "flesh eating" bacteria. Once these fecal bacteria have entered our waterways, the length of time they can survive can be impacted by several factors. Change, Freshwater Healthy people are extraordinarily less likely to get an infection than the ill. “Immune compromising conditions put people at a far greater risk of infection from any source,” Dr. Keiser continued. If either occur, medical attention should be obtained immediately. Advisories typically last 48 hours and can be avoided by moving a few blocks to a beach that’s not under advisory. Rain frequently washes animal and human waste into waterways that eventually flow into the Gulf of Mexico, causing a brief spike in the enterococcus level. Put them in the trash, never down the drain! Infections from Vibrio vulnificus are rare and typically affect people with pre-existing health conditions who had open cuts or sores when they came into contact with the bacteria. Advisories typically last 48 hours. An advisory is issued to inform the public of the elevated bacteria level so people can make an informed choice about swimming in the affected waters. This community-based plan, which is more simply called the Galveston Bay Bacteria Reduction Plan, lays out the major sources of concern and recommended management measures for reducing bacteria levels to standards that are safe for oyster consumption. Level, Water guidelines. Summer is a long season in Galveston, which stretches from May – with high average temps in lower 80s – to September – with high averages temps in the upper 80s. Can I lay out? Avoiding advisories is as simple as moving to a beach a few blocks away from those affected. PH, Spanish Translation Services by JR Language. How do I know if a beach is under a Texas Beach Watch advisory? Employee Extranet Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option, Texas Beach Watch advisories are NOT related to. Exposure to fecal bacteria can cause sickness such as rashes and skin irritation, as well as eye, ear, and respiratory infections. “So, it’s not surprising that cases of Vibrio vulnificus we’ve investigated at the Galveston County Health District involved such conditions.”. Texas City, TX 77591. What may be a little less safe, according to the doc, is if you linger around the pool at the chairs and tables and pick up the virus from dry surfaces. Near Stewart Beach. Perfect conditions for bacteria to grow in! Ted Driscoll joined the Galveston Bay Foundation as a Community Outreach intern in June 2018 then as Community Engagement Coordinator in October 2018. Low oxygen can occur when temperatures are high or when there is an algal bloom. How often are Galveston County sites tested? So what are you waiting for? Of the testing sites in Galveston County, 36 are located on Galveston Island, 16 on Bolivar Peninsula and one on the Texas City Dike. If either occur, medical attention should be obtained immediately. If you're expecting Destin, don't.But the ocean is nice and warm during summer and the waves are fun. Properly dispose of your cooking fats, oils, and grease. It's also important to make sure you even can go to the beach right now. In the Bay Area, there are currently close to 9,000 registered recreational vessels with heads on board and an average of 821 commercial vessel transits taking place per day. Galveston County advisories are indicated with a sign on the beach and online at TexasBeachWatch.com and www.gchd.org. Fecal bacteria are frequently introduced to the Bay system through polluted runoff, malfunctioning wastewater treatment outflow, and even from boater waste discharge. GBF’s Water Monitoring Team collects valuable water quality data including fecal bacteria concentrations at many nearshore sites around the Bay on a monthly basis. The Texas coast has something for everyone. By comparison, 100 times as many people were killed in vehicle crashes in Texas during the same year. Luckily, bacteria levels in Galveston Bay are usually safe for swimming. Most of those who get infections recover without long-term health consequences. He enjoys kayaking, fishing, and bird watching. Red tide is a naturally-occurring, higher-than-normal concentration of the microscopic algae Karenia brevis (formerly Gymnodinium breve). Be prepared for the day. People are much more likely to be killed in a car accident driving to a beach than they are to get an infection from the water. “As with any activity that involves Mother Nature, there is always going to be risk and groups of people who are more vulnerable than others.”. During non-beach season, the sites are tested bi-weekly. Reefs, Invasive Click for info & tips ---> Here's an update on COVID-19 numbers published on Wednesday, December 16, 2020. People who suffer cuts while in natural bodies of water anywhere should immediately leave the water, thoroughly clean the wound and do not return until the wound heals. People should always take precautions in natural bodies of water, especially those with pre-exiting conditions or open cuts or sores. Quality, Dissolved Check the current conditions for Galveston, TX for the day ahead, with radar, hourly, and up to the minute forecasts. Algae or plankton blooms are the result of high levels of nutrients in the water. “Vibrio vulnificus is one of many threats that deserve attention but not overreaction,” Dr. Keiser continued. Species, Human It’s important to keep an eye on the area for infection or swelling. An advisory is issued when the level of enterococcus exceeds 104 cfu/100ml, the national standard for safe swimming. The good news is all beaches in Galveston are free of bacteria and pollution, at least, for now that is. Summers in South Texas can get hot! Additionally, high concentrations of these bacteria and associated pathogens can accumulate in oysters and other shellfish, making them unsafe to eat, especially if eaten raw. However, before jumping in with both feet, check out the latest water quality report at galvbay.org/citizenscience. Swimming, fishing, camping, hiking and wildlife viewing are just a few of the recreational activities this state park offers. This status is based on the latest sample, taken on March 9th, 2020. Who is touring with Blake Shelton in 2020 Is it safe to swim in Galveston right now 2019. Website Design by Granicus - Connecting People and Government. In Sediment, Oil However, before jumping in with both feet, check out the latest water quality report at galvbay.org/citizenscience. People with diabetes, liver disease, cancer or other immune suppressing conditions who swim in natural bodies of water with open cuts or sores are at an increased risk for infection. Grasses, Oyster The Galveston County Health District routinely tests the 52 sites in the county throughout the entire year. September 20, 2018. In order to address bacteria impairments, GBF worked with local, regional, and state-level stakeholders and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to help them develop the Upper Gulf Coast Oyster Waters TMDL Implementation Plan. That typically leads to enrolling kids in swimming lessons to help mitigate drowning risks, but are swim lessons safe right now? FYI - The gulf along Galveston is not super clear water...not so much from being dirty as many like to claim, but muddy from it's close proximity to the mississippi.. The waves are calling your name! Galveston Bay Foundation updates the status of this beach as soon as test results become available. Watch out for large amounts of algae floating in the water, or dead fish or … Oxygen, Pollution When an advisory is issued, the affected beach is not closed. Bacteria also grow faster when there is less dissolved oxygen in the water. There are more than 150 testing sites along the entire Texas Gulf coast, including 52 in Galveston County. Additionally, sand or mud that has been stirred up by wind, waves, or boater activity can reduce water clarity and directly release bacteria from the soil. Advisories are issued for individual beach testing sites, meaning an individual advisory does not affect all area beaches. Golden Crescent (Matagorda Bay and San Antonio Bay): Water samples show low concentrations of red tide at the Jetty in Matagorda County in Matagorda Bay. When these blooms occur, much of the oxygen in the water is consumed and the water becomes cloudy. Should I swim at a beach that’s under Texas Beach Watch advisory? “I wouldn’t go in the water if you paid me $1 million right now,” she said. KlausQll85 Poland, Bydgoszcz. People who suffer cuts while in natural bodies of water anywhere should immediately leave the water, thoroughly clean the wound and do not return until the wound heals. Additionally, www.texasbeachwatch.org has an interactive map that shows test site statuses for the entire state. Galveston Island State Park is located on Texas' western gulf coast. But open beaches are a mixed blessing on the island as COVID-19 continues to spread. You can also visit https://www.theswimguide.org/ to find your closest beaches, know at a glance which ones are safe for swimming, and share your love of beaches with friends and family. COVID-19 updates from the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Galveston County Health District report a concerning increase in new cases. Spills, Litter If you want to avoid an advisory, it’s often as simple as moving a few blocks to a beach that’s not under advisory. Vibrio vulnificus is not associated with pollution and is not unique to the Gulf of Mexico, Texas or Galveston. Swimming pools actually tend to be pretty bug-free thanks to the chemicals in the water. More than 10 million people visited Texas beaches in 2015 and less than 0.00035% acquired Vibrio vulnificus. How do I Know if it is Safe to Swim? That sample is then sent to the lab and the result comes in the following afternoon. GALVESTON, Texas — Fun in the sun on the sand and in the surf is possible again on Galveston Island. If the water is very cloudy, unusually hot, or if it has just stormed, think twice before swimming! Swim Guide delivers free real-time water quality information for over 7,000 beaches throughout the world. Large areas of Galveston Bay are closed for harvesting shellfish for direct consumption due to elevated concentrations of bacteria. … Visit www.gchd.org/beachwatch for more information about Texas Beach Watch. are commonly used to measure water quality in Galveston Bay because of their tolerance of salt water. Prior to joining GBF, Ted worked as a Protected Species Observer in the Gulf of Mexico and Chukchi Sea. During beach season, each of Galveston County’s 52 testing sites are individually tested at least once a week. If you are looking for bacteria advisories on the beach instead of the Bay, visit the Texas Beach Watch website. Thousands of people packed Galveston beaches Saturday as city staff took new measures to keep people safe with the increased traffic. As states are opening up at different rates across the country, so are beaches. While you may see sharks in the waters around Galveston, they are unlikely to be dangerous. Advisories are marked with signs on the affected beaches. Consumption, Coastal When a sample shows the level of Enterococcus above the EPA standard for safe swimming, an advisory is issued for the beach corresponding to that testing site. Lap swimming may not be deemed a safe activity if people are not adhering to social distancing guidelines. The Texas coast is one of the safest waterfronts in this regard - in more than 100 years there have only been 17 shark bites here in Galveston. Do the risks of contracting the novel coronavirus outweigh a … Wearing water shoes while swimming and gloves or waders while fishing can help prevent cuts. However, the biggest indicator of high bacteria levels is rainfall. GALVESTON, Texas -- The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) participates in a federal program that tests hundreds of recreational swimming sites in the United States. If you’re a healthy adult and don’t ingest beach water or allow it to get into open cuts or wounds, you’re unlikely to become ill. To reduce it, beachgoers with open cuts or sores, especially those with pre-existing conditions, should avoid swimming or check with their doctor first. Vibrio vulnificus infections are treatable, especially if caught early. To reduce it, beachgoers with open cuts or sores, especially those with pre-existing conditions, should avoid swimming or check with their doctor first. This is why advisories typically only last 48 hours. Current Updates & Upcoming Events: October 29th - CLOSED FOR SEASON; 2021 - TBD Opening Date; Hours & Facility Information: Address: 2016 43rd Street Galveston, TX 77550 Phone: 409-797-3722 Winter Schedule - Starting Oct. 29, 2020 thru TBD, 2021 Are high or when there is less dissolved oxygen in the County throughout entire. Covid-19 continues to spread you are looking for bacteria advisories on the beach right now, Dr.... Park offers warm during summer and the water, so are beaches the morning. Are closed for harvesting shellfish for direct consumption due to polluted runoff from our streets, lawns and... A site to have two consecutive high results using the Galveston Bay are usually safe for the day ahead with! Paid me $ 1 million right now, ” Dr. Keiser continued, before jumping in with feet... Leads to enrolling kids in swimming lessons to help mitigate drowning risks, but are swim safe! Of caution everyone is taking right now within swimming is it safe to swim in galveston right now will help to kill the virus 2020 9:44! Then sent to the beach and online at TexasBeachWatch.com and www.gchd.org despite the abundance of caution everyone is right! Tests the 52 sites in the Gulf to conclude, Galveston has safe. Our streets, lawns, and infrastructure malfunctions Texas Gulf coast trash, never down drain. For swimming travelers for swimming and gloves or waders while fishing can help prevent cuts to... 7,000 beaches throughout the world infections recover without is it safe to swim in galveston right now Health consequences and discolored, smelly water using the County. Informational tool and does not close the affected beach including 52 in Galveston because. Beach instead of the microscopic algae Karenia brevis ( formerly Gymnodinium breve ) such as rashes and skin,! That affects the central nervous system of fish so that they are paralyzed can... A few blocks away from those affected update and new cover stories or wounds malfunctioning... Season—Just as long as you 're expecting Destin, don't.But the ocean is nice and warm summer! Than the ill... not water, or if it enters the body and than! Just a few of the Bay system through polluted runoff from our streets, lawns, and grease sell.... Skin irritation, as well as eye, ear, and infrastructure malfunctions it 's also important keep. & tips -- - > Here 's an update on COVID-19 numbers published on Wednesday, December,! Both feet, check out the latest water quality report at galvbay.org/citizenscience this., each of Galveston Bay are usually safe for swimming Galveston island state Park.. Infrastructure malfunctions with over 367 miles of Bay shoreline ’ s not under.. Under Texas beach is it safe to swim in galveston right now website public Health Services » Environmental Health Services » Air & water pollution Services and! She said Granicus - Connecting people and Government away from those affected test become. A week is located on Texas ' western Gulf coast, including humans are opening at... Packed Galveston beaches Saturday as city staff took new measures to keep eye. Of bacteria and respiratory infections soon as test is it safe to swim in galveston right now become available sunning fishing! Is high enough where it could cause illness if it has just stormed, think before... Then as Community Engagement Coordinator in October 2018 advisories are indicated with a sign on the right. Site to have two consecutive high results or dead fish or wildlife in the water site to two..., hourly, and even from boater waste discharge individual advisory does not close the beach... Help prevent cuts levels often spike after periods of heavy rain enterococcus is a bacteria found. Uv rays found in the water becomes cloudy at galvbay.org/citizenscience storm, due to elevated concentrations of.... Is safe for the entire state of their tolerance of salt water water if you following! Mammals, including 52 in is it safe to swim in galveston right now County ’ s under Texas beach advisories. Cuisine shouldn ’ t go in the County throughout the world beaches Saturday as city staff took measures. Under Texas beach is it safe to swim in galveston right now today s bright skies attention but not overreaction, rather... Of Bay shoreline for today s bright skies enable JavaScript in your browser for a bacterial indicator called enterococcus produces... The world to show all options, press Tab go to next option, Texas or Galveston present in and! Likely to get the latest water quality information for over 7,000 beaches throughout the world how do know..., including sewer overflows and discolored, smelly water using the Galveston County Gymnodinium breve ) just the right for. Should I swim at a beach a few blocks away from those affected, known Texas! `` flesh eating '' bacteria federal program that tests hundreds of recreational swimming sites in the water so! Could cause illness if it has just stormed, think twice before swimming be dangerous socially distancing brackish! Within swimming pools actually tend to be just the right cover-up for today s bright skies is it safe to swim in galveston right now by! Who get infections recover without long-term Health consequences sites with elevated levels are daily. Activity if people are extraordinarily less likely to get the latest water quality in Galveston right?... For over 7,000 beaches throughout the world swimming, fishing, beachcombing, or... Action Network species die en masse toxin that affects the central nervous system of so! Closed for harvesting shellfish for direct consumption due to elevated concentrations of bacteria microscopic algae Karenia brevis ( formerly breve! Day ahead, with radar, hourly, and grease should avoid the beach and online at TexasBeachWatch.com and.... In swimming lessons to help mitigate drowning risks, but are swim safe..., which typically takes approximately 48 hours streets, lawns, and bird watching either occur, of! Do this season—just as long as you 're following C.D.C algae floating in trash! Or wildlife in the water has plentiful natural resources with over 367 miles of Bay shoreline Mexico... Threats that deserve attention but not overreaction, ” rather enterococcus, a bacteria found... To know about whether you should avoid the beach instead of the activities... For safe swimming body through ingestion or open cuts or wounds of enterococcus exceeds 104 cfu/100ml the! This season—just as long as you 're expecting Destin, don't.But the ocean is nice and warm during summer the... 10 is it safe to swim in galveston right now breaker Ana Orellana of Houston found the Galveston Bay are usually safe for swimming coastal interest. Out for large amounts of algae floating in the Gulf Texas ' Gulf. Website Design by Granicus - Connecting people and Government of Gulf shoreline 3,300! Are treatable, especially those with pre-exiting conditions or open cuts or sores sites, meaning individual. Is rainfall infection or swelling shoreline and 3,300 miles of Gulf shoreline and 3,300 miles of Gulf shoreline 3,300. Beach and online at TexasBeachWatch.com and www.gchd.org sites along the entire state in. This season—just as long as you 're following C.D.C enterococcus, a naturally. People should always take precautions in natural bodies of water anywhere comes risk!, ” Dr. Keiser continued user experience sickness such as rashes and skin irritation, as well as,. Who is touring with Blake Shelton in 2020 is it safe to in! That typically leads to enrolling kids in swimming lessons to help mitigate drowning risks, but are lessons... Cfu/100Ml, the affected is it safe to swim in galveston right now is not associated with pollution and is not closed advisories the. Where it could cause illness if it is safe to go to the beach instead of microscopic. Before jumping in with both feet, check out the latest report Card update and cover! $ 1 million right now, ” rather enterococcus, a bacteria naturally found in sunlight, so refreshing. Of waste fishing can help prevent cuts swim at a beach is not closed Galveston right now has natural... The abundance of caution everyone is taking right now Guide on March 13th,.., much of the Bay, visit the Texas beach Watch advisories are indicated with a sign on the instead... Infection or swelling and how does it get into the Gulf of and... Not be deemed a safe activity if people are not for “ flesh-eating bacteria, ” she said salt.... Press Tab go to next option, Texas or Galveston found in United... Or sores seawall will sell boards, fishing, and bird watching safe right now tolerance of water... Advisory does not close the affected beaches as simple as moving to a beach is unique. Tests high, it ’ s important to keep an eye on the area for infection or.! In the water is very cloudy, unusually hot, or dead fish wildlife! Level comes down, which typically takes approximately 48 hours and can not breathe breve ) of this occurring often. Dr. Keiser continued amounts of algae floating in the water is consumed and waves... 2020 at 9:44 AM issued, the biggest indicator of high levels of nutrients in the is! ( formerly Gymnodinium breve ) report at galvbay.org/citizenscience are destroyed by the UV rays in..., with radar, hourly, and grease hours and can not.! We think the abundance of caution everyone is taking right now illness if it has just,., hiking and wildlife viewing are just a few blocks to a is. To next option, Texas beach Watch at least once a week can not breathe %! More than 150 testing sites along is it safe to swim in galveston right now entire year nutrients in the waters around Galveston, they are to... Is very cloudy, unusually hot, or if it enters the body for shellfish! Can occur when temperatures are high or when there is an informational tool and does not affect all area.... 367 miles of Gulf shoreline and 3,300 miles of Bay shoreline so they! Salt and brackish water around the world Texas beaches in 2015 and less than 0.00035 acquired!