By Cassandra Harris
South Carolina’s coastal shores represent an important part of our state’s landscape, serving as a place of recreation for residents and visitors alike, as well as a home to our ocean wildlife and vegetation. To help advise you about bacteria levels in the water, DHEC regularly monitors ocean water quality–providing information to help you make informed decisions about recreational activities.
As part of these efforts, routine monitoring along South Carolina’s shoreline has been performed since 2002. Advisories are issued, when needed, from May 1 through Oct. 1.
Before heading to the beach this summer, S.C. beachgoers can stay informed by following the swimming advice found on the DHEC website, is provided in DHEC news releases and is displayed on swimming advisory signs. For the latest information on South Carolina beach advisories and alerts, visit our beach access and water quality guide online at http://gis.dhec.sc.gov/beachaccess/.
Live Healthy S.C. 
A great initiative taken by DHEC to predict beach hazards and reduce potential health risks to beach swimmers. Natural bodies of water contain microorganisms regardless of how clean or clear the waters look. Swimming advisories will allow the public to make informed decisions on whether or not to swim and avoid potential health hazards.