UPDATE: The advisory for Yorktown Beach has been lifted.
VDH said results received on July 17 indicate bacteria levels now meet the state water quality standards for recreational waters.
Know before you go: 3 beaches in the Newport News–Yorktown area are under swimming advisory.
Swimmers heading to the water this week should check before they dive in—Hilton Beach and Huntington Beach in Newport News, along with Yorktown Beach in Yorktown, are under a swimming advisory due to elevated bacteria levels.
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Health officials from the Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts tested the water on July 15, and results showed that bacteria levels exceeded what the state considers safe for swimming. These levels can increase the risk of stomach issues or other illnesses for people who spend time in the water.
That’s why signs have been posted at all three beaches with a clear warning:
“Warning swimmers – bacteria levels do not meet state water quality standards, swimming not advised until further notice.”
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A swimming advisory means you should avoid activities that involve long contact with the water—like swimming, paddle boarding, or letting pets splash around. However, short-contact activities such as wading in to launch a kayak or boat are still allowed with caution.
More water samples were collected on Wednesday. Officials have not yet shared the updated results, but have sadi the signs will come down when bacteria levels return to a safe range.
“We encourage the public to protect their health by complying with this advisory,” said Mary Wainwright, Environmental Health Manager of the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts. “Typically, an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to a safe level.”
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