‘No Swim’ Advisory Issued for South Inlet Beach in Boca Raton Due to Bacteria Count

Boca Raton South Inlet beach and lifeguard station. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

Boca Raton city officials announced the closure of South Inlet Beach to swimming after routine testing detected higher-than-normal bacteria levels in the water.

Swimming will be prohibited until further notice following Florida Department of Health testing, however, the park and beach will remain open.

According to the Palm Beach County office of the Department of Health, tests completed on Monday, September 22, 2025, indicate that the water quality at South Inlet Park does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the state. The office “advises against any water-related activities at this location due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers.” Sampling conducted during regular water quality monitoring showed that the level of bacteria exceeds the level established by state guidelines.

Additional water samples will be taken and it is hoped full use of the beach may resume within the next 24 to 48 hours, the city said in its announcement.

Boca Raton Inlet, Boca Raton, Fla. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

A reading of 70.5 or more cells per milliliter of water results in a “poor” rating for Enterococcus bacteria. The presence of such bacteria in ocean water can be triggered after lengthy periods of rainfall during which runoff carries it into the ocean. All other beaches in Boca Raton – and locally in neighboring communities – passed water testing this week.