Swim advisory issued for part of Grand Strand

High bacteria levels measured in the surf prompted state health officials to issue a temporary swim advisory for a portion of the Grand Strand on Thursday.

"High bacteria levels have been detected in this section of beach, and swimming is not advised until bacteria levels return to normal," the Department of Health and Environmental Control release stated.

The area affected includes “200 feet above and below the street end of 16th Avenue North in North Myrtle Beach,” said Sean Torrens of DHEC's Pee Dee Environmental Quality Control office in Myrtle Beach.

The swimming advisory means people who want to play in the surf should keep their head above water to avoid the possibility of swallowing any water. And anyone with cuts or other open wounds should avoid coming in contact with the water.

Collecting shells, fishing and wading in the advisory area is OK, Torrens said.

More information can be found at the DHEC website.