NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Health officials have lifted one swimming advisory for a Newport News beach, but warn that another is still in place.
On Wednesday, the health department said that beachgoers should avoid swimming in the water off of Huntington and Hilton beaches in Newport News.
Officials took water samples on Tuesday and found that bacteria levels in those areas are above state water quality standards.
The advisory for Huntington Beach was lifted on Friday, but people should still avoid swimming at Hilton Beach until bacteria levels there go down.
A release from the department said swimming in these waters (before the advisories are lifted) could lead to a higher chance of gastrointestinal illness.
Gary Hagy, the environmental health manager for the Peninsula Health District, said people should only need to worry about staying out of the water for a short while.
“Typically, an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to a safe level,” he wrote.
