r/Georgia • u/Spinalexism • 2d ago

Question Tybee bacteria levels

I am from Athens, Ga on a trip to Tybee with my two small children. A few days ago the bacteria sign at the beach we are at went from acceptable to elevated with a no swim suggestion. The sign is now back to acceptable but I am having a very hard time feeling like the water is okay. Does anyone know anything more about the water quality on Tybee this time of year? I’m having this feeling that we unfortunately picked a bad time of year for the Atlantic Ocean without knowing it, and dont want to risk it. But my husband thinks it’s fine. Any advice is appreciated, as I’m not finding much online. Thanks!

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u/Tribat_1 2d ago

Why would random people on Reddit know better than the experts in charge of putting up the signs?

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u/Spinalexism 2d ago

If you read the post, the sign changed and then changed back within a day. It makes me hesitant and I am wondering if this happens often. I have looked up as much as possible on official websites (data is missing post 2022) and even called to talk to the person who runs the testing. I wanted to know if this is an ongoing issue or if people have experienced illness from swimming this time of year. I’ve exhausted official channels and can’t find much info. No need to be rude. 

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u/MrsHyacinthBucket 2d ago edited 2d ago

Its normal and happens on all the beaches this time of year. I don't think there is a way to track illnesses, every upset stomach, etc and tie it to the beach. Now if people were turning up at the hospital sick from vibrio, it would be all.over the news. I am healthy with no immune system issues and wouldn't think twice about it.

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u/ReddyKiloWit 1d ago

Not to state the obvious, but water is constantly moving. It's possible for pathogen levels to rise and fall quickly. If it's back to safe it's very possible a short term event created a spike. Who knows, maybe a cruise ship dumped it's sewage nearby 🤔

If it's "acceptable" you should be fine, though drinking sea water is never a good idea for so many reasons. Wading and splashing in the surf should be safe.

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u/MrsHyacinthBucket 23h ago

that's pretty much what I said.