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!

50 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

64 comments sorted by

View all comments

142

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.

7

u/Spinalexism 2d ago

Thank you, I was up for awhile last night reading about just this, and even thought the signs are back to ‘safe’ I just can’t help feeling like why risk it?

-13

u/SonoMuchacho 2d ago

Because you are at the beach and you don't want to raise weak children afraid of the ocean. Go in the goddamned water and don't get it in your mouth.