No swim advisory issued for North Lido Beach

Sarasota County issued a no-swim advisory for the area around 400 Ben Franklin Drive on North Lido Beach.

The advisory is in effect due to higher than normal levels of entercocci (enteric) bacteria, which can be caused by animal and human waste, stormwater runoff and sewage leaks or spills from failed septic systems, according to a press release from the county.

County staff checked the area and noticed large numbers of shorebirds in the area, along with a line of decaying algae, which provide homes for organisms the birds feed on. The proliferation of birds in the area is identified as a possible cause of the entercocci. The recent heavy rains could also be a cause, as it washes pollutants and feces off of the beach into the ocean. As there has been no sewage spills within a one-mile distance of this area, staff believes the bacteria levels are caused by natural sources, according to the release.

High concentrations of entercocci bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, infections or rashes if a swimmer swallows water or has contact with the water through an open cut or sore.

The beach is still open; however, staff urges residents and visitors to avoid water recreation or swimming on North Lido Beach until the bacteria levels go down and the advisory is lifted. Shellfish or crabs caught in the water should not be consumed, but fish from those waters are safe to eat, according to the release.

To help keep beach water clean and safe for swimming, beach goers are encouraged to pick up pet waste and keep children in diapers out of the water.

If visitors want to swim on Lido or nearby, the following beaches are safe to swim in: South Lido Beach, Lido Casino Beach and Longboat Key Beach.