Nonprofit group Environment Texas found that 90% of Texas beaches tested in 2022 for fecal bacteria tested positive at least one day. Pathogens in fecal matter pose a health risk to swimmers, sometimes forcing beaches to close for public safety.
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But in Texas' case, it might be best to stay out of beach waters. Environment Texas found that 55 beaches were potentially unsafe for swimming, at least once, when testing bacteria levels in 2022.
If the water is very cloudy or if it recently stormed, think twice before swimming! Luckily, our bacteria monitoring program has shown that most of the time bacteria levels in Galveston Bay are low enough to be considered safe for swimming.
With an average water temperature of 84.2°F in the summer, the surf of Port A is perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, and wave jumping. Before you jump in, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the Beach Flag Warning System and rip current safety.
Since we moved to Texas we have been looking for beach that was comparable to Florida beaches. We found one in this beach. The water was crystal clear and the sand was so soft.
Along the Texas coastline, Cole Park in Nueces County had the highest percentage of potentially unsafe test days in 2022, with notably high fecal levels found on more than half of the days it was tested.
According to an annual report issued by the Environment Texas Research and Policy Center, South Padre beaches were found to be one of the safest beaches for swimming in Texas. They looked at data taken at beaches across the state.
Fecal contamination comes from urban runoff, sewage overflows and manure from industrial livestock production. Roughly half of U.S. beaches tested had potentially unsafe contamination levels in 2022.
According to the website, on July 15, 2023, there were 14 Texas beaches that contained medium levels (between 35 and 104 colony-forming units (CFU)/100 ml) of fecal bacteria. When the counts are above this level, swimming is not recommended, and an advisory is issued.
Several public beach parks along Corpus Christi Bay are monitored as part of the Texas Beach Watch Program . Data assessed from this program indicated bacteria concentrations were higher than the criteria for protecting the contact recreation use at Cole Park, Ropes Park, and Poenisch Park beaches.
Rockport Beach is often referred to as the “gem of the Texas coast,” and it's easy to see why. This beach is located in a quiet and peaceful town and has been recognized as a Blue Wave Beach, which means it's one of the cleanest and safest beaches in the country.
The Gulf Coast topped the charts with 84% of its beaches experiencing unsafe contamination at least once, while Alaska and Hawaii fared better with only 24% of their beaches affected. Credit: Environment America.
Rip CurrentsThey are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore that quickly pull swimmers out to sea. Rip currents typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. The best way to stay safe is to recognize the danger of rip currents.
Many rivers and smaller waterways feed out into the Gulf of Mexico. As the freshwater flows south, it brings with it soil, sediment, and organic matter, giving the water that brownish color.
Corpus beaches are nicer than Galveston, but still not exactly the Riviera. Galveston offers more in terms of off- the-beach attractions such as restaurants. To get to Galveston you'll have to contend with the absolutely horrid traffic around Houston.
South Padre Island vs Corpus Christi VacationWhile each location has its highlights, South Padre Island provides the best overall Texas Gulf Coast vacation experience. Check out our list of top reasons to visit South Padre to learn why so many people choose South Padre Island instead!