VDH: Swimming advisories issued for two Va. beaches

Two Virginia beaches are under swimming advisories after officials say testing revealed raised bacteria levels in the water.

On Thursday, the Virginia Department of Health says a swimming advisory is issued for Guard Shore in Accomack County and for the Town of Cape Charles Beach, in Northampton County. Officials say the advisories comes after water sampling showed bacteria levels are above safe water quality standards. The water sampling happened on Tuesday.

According to VDH, beach goers should not enter the water when a beach is under a swimming advisory. A swimming advisory was issued for the Cape Charles Beach last August. 

WVEC, an ABC affiliate, reports that signs have been posted at the Eastern Shore beaches with the following statement: 

" Warning! Swimming Advisory  
Bacteria Levels Do Not Meet State Water Quality Standards Swimming 
Swimming Not recommended Until Further Notice"

Health officials offer the following tips for protect your health at the beach: 

-Avoid swallowing water when swimming; natural waters may contain disease-causing organisms that can cause gastrointestinal illness if swallowed.
-Avoid swimming for a few days after heavy rainfall; bacteria levels are likely to be high and disease-causing organisms are more likely to be present after rainfall due to pollution from land runoff and other sources.
-Prevent direct contact of cuts and open wounds with recreational water; natural waters may contain disease-causing organisms that may cause skin infections.
-Avoid swimming in areas where dead fish are present; dead fish may indicate that water conditions are poor or hazardous materials are in the water. Please contact the Department of Environmental Quality (703-583-3800) if you observe a fish kill.
-Don't swim if you are ill or have a weakened immune system; some organisms are opportunistic and may only cause illness when you are already ill or your immune system is weakened.
-Shower with soap after swimming; showering helps remove potential disease-causing organisms.
-Swim away from fishing piers, pipes, drains, and water flowing from storm drains onto a beach.
-Do not dispose of trash, pet waste, or dirty diapers on the beach.

For more information on other Virginia beaches, call the Eastern Shore Health District at 757-787-5886.