REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. — Just before one of the busiest beach weekends of the year, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has issued a recreational water advisory for a portion of Rehoboth Beach.
Officials on Thursday said the advisory comes after elevated levels of bacteria were found in a water sample taken Wednesday at Rehoboth Avenue.
While the beach remains open, DNREC is urging swimmers to use caution and limit how long they stay in the water this Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Most people who swim in water with high bacteria levels do not get sick, but the agency said that some may become seriously ill.
Those at risk include young children, people older than 65, and people with weakened immune systems or medical conditions.
Officials also said that swimmers should avoid submerging their heads in the water.
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According to DNREC, elevated levels of bacteria can often be associated with heavy rain episodes, and stormwater runoff can carry bacteria from pet waste and wildlife into nearby waterways.
Officials said they will continue to monitor the water.
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