Safe Beaches (MWV62) (mwv62-safebeaches47mb.mp4)

Staying safe at the beach involves more than just sunscreen and lifeguards. Beaches and oceans are prone to unhealthy levels of bacteria which can cause sickness in people. Pathogens make their way into the water and onto the sand from many sources, including but not limited to, animal and human waste, agricultural and sewer runoff. Knowing when and how to avoid harmful bacteria is an effective way to prevent getting sick when visiting the beach.

On this episode of MicrobeWorld Video, Richard Remigio from the Surf Rider Foundation and Beth LeaMond from the Environmental Protection Agency talk about the various ways pathogens such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia make their way into the ocean, onto the beach and into our bodies. Richard and Beth provide effective ways to protect ourselves when visiting the beach and let us know what their agencies are doing to help keep our beaches clean and safe.