Swimming Advisory Caution

The DNREC Shellfish and Recreational Water Program has issued a permanent swimming advisory caution for Delaware’s Inland Bays (Rehoboth Bay, Indian River and Bay, Little Assawoman Bay and the portion of Assawoman Bay located in Delaware) and for Delaware Bay beaches north of, but not including, Lewes Beach.

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Information About Vibrio Bacteria

Vibrio are bacteria that occur naturally in brackish waters such as the Delaware Bay, the Inland Bays and tributaries, especially during warm weather months. Vibrio infections are relatively rare in Delaware and nationwide. However, when Vibrio or other bacteria come into contact with an open wound, they can cause serious infections. Vibrio infections can be

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Recreational Water Monitoring

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control monitors recreational waters to ensure their quality for swimming and other recreational uses. The Department tests for Enterococcus bacteria, which indicate the presence of other potentially harmful bacteria and viruses. The results of these tests are available online and though an email alert system.

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