Effective immediately, the Santa Rosa County Health Department is issuing health alerts for all inland swimming areas in Santa Rosa County. This alert does not include the swimming areas located on the Gulf of Mexico. Storm surge from Hurricane Ike has caused flooding that may potentially contaminate the local inland swimming areas with sewage and storm water that contains water-borne pathogens. 

Beach water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals, such as those with wounds or an immune system deficiency. There may also be debris on beaches and in water that could cause injury.  Therefore, as a precaution, the Health Department advises against any water-related activities until a bacteriological survey reveals that the inland swimming areas are safe.

 The Santa Rosa County Health Department will assess the safety of swimming areas and notify the public when regularly monitored areas are safe for water-related activities.  For more information contact SRCHD at 983-5275.