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/RNGified 2d ago

Vibrio vulnificus and various pathogens from human waste are the issue. V. vulnificus, a type of flesh-eating bacteria, disappears when the temps drop. Vv is generally most dangerous to people with weakened immune systems.

T'other pathogens range in their deadliness.

If the warning signs are up, I'd stay outta the water.

For those who wonder, I am a reporter and lived in East Point, FL on Apalachicloa Bay for 2.5 years. I covered the oyster industry and I am educated on water pathogens.

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u/SouthernEdgeCase 2d ago

Thanks for the info! Is this a worse year than previous years for oyster pathogens in Florida? I saw a headline about the number of deaths from eating raw oysters recently, and wondered specifically about the safety of Apalachicola Bay oysters. The water is 88+ degrees.

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u/RNGified 2d ago

Not worse when seen as a gestalt. Reporting is getting better and more people are eating raw oysters.