Three Miami-Dade beaches are clear for swimming again after the Florida Department of Health lifted bacteria-related advisories on Tuesday, July 14.

Golden Beach, Bark Beach near 79th Street in Miami Beach, and North Shore Ocean Terrace near 73rd Street in Miami Beach all received the all-clear after new test results showed water quality had returned to safe levels, according to the department. The beaches draw visitors from across the county, including Key Biscayne and Coconut Grove residents heading north for summer surf.

The advisory had been in effect since Saturday, July 11, keeping swimmers out of the water for four days during peak season.

What triggered the warning

Water samples collected Friday, July 10, showed Enterococcus levels exceeding the state's threshold of 70 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters of beach water, according to the Florida Department of Health's Healthy Beaches program. Under state guidelines, when two consecutive samples exceed that mark, the department issues a formal advisory.

The department warned at the time that water contact at the affected sites posed "an increased risk of infectious disease, particularly for susceptible individuals." Enterococci bacteria indicate possible fecal contamination of surface waters and can cause infections including urinary tract, bloodstream, and wound infections.

How the state monitors beach water

The DOH's Healthy Beaches program tests coastal waters every two weeks in Miami-Dade County. Miami Waterkeeper, a local nonprofit, supplements that schedule with weekly sampling at South Florida sites. No specific date for the next round of state testing at these three beaches has been announced.

Residents with questions about beach water quality can call the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County at 305-324-2400.