Grand Isle beachgoers are advised to swim at their own risk this week because high levels of bacteria have been found in waters along the public beach and in the state park. Ken Pastorick, a spokesman for the state Department of Health and Hospitals, told The (Houma) Courier that the health department doesn’t close beaches. It leaves that decision up to local governments or, in the case of Grand Isle State Park, the state park system. Fourchon’s beaches are still closed to the public because of last year’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The health department tests beaches coast-wide for two kinds of bacteria found in human and animal waste, and posts signs at those where high levels are found. High levels were found last week in tests along two beaches at Grand Isle State Park and one beach outside the park. The department doesn’t investigate what the source of contamination might be.
Grand Isle Fire Chief Aubrey Chaisson says he’s never heard of anyone getting sick after swimming in Grand Isle waters. The volunteer fire department acts as the island’s first responders. He says the warnings shouldn’t keep swimmers away from the beach, but they should exercise caution.
