Boca Raton Beaches Reopened, Swim Ban Lifted

The Atlantic Ocean along Spanish River Park, Boca Raton, FL. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

It may be a rainy afternoon in Boca Raton, but the beaches are calling whenever the sun peaks out again.

A swimming ban imposed on two of the city’s most popular beaches earlier this week has been lifted. Officials announced Thursday afternoon that the Florida Dept. of Health of Palm Beach County has lifted the Health Advisory for Spanish River and South Inlet beaches.

Swimming is no longer prohibited, the announcement said. The park and beach are open.

Swimming at both beaches – Spanish River Park, under Boca Raton jurisdiction, and South Inlet Park under Palm Beach County jurisdiction – were closed following water testing showed increased levels of bacteria in the water. Elevated levels of bacteria are fairly common in Florida’s intensive rainy season due to runoff concerns. The water was tested again on Sept. 18 and both locations were marked “good” with no restrictions required.