JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District has reopened the swimming beach at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area on the Caloosahatchee River.
The swimming beach on the Caloosahatchee River in Alva was closed temporarily due to elevated levels of enterococcus bacteria. Recent test results indicate that the water quality at the swimming beach meets the safety criteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health and the area is safe for swimmers. The public is welcome to enjoy the beach and many other amenities available at the recreation area.
“Public safety is always our top priority,” said George Melanson, natural resource manager in the South Florida Operations Office in Clewiston. “Test results confirm that bacterial levels are no longer elevated and we have been cleared to reopen the swimming beach for the enjoyment of our visitors.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the leading provider of recreation on federally-managed lands in the United States and a founding member of the National Water Safety Congress, committed to promoting safe water practices.
For information on the W.P. Franklin Lock and Visitor Center, call 239-694-2582. Additional information can be found online at www.saj.usace.army.mil and then clicking the “Recreation” icon or http://1.usa.gov/1cmNXQK.
Release no. 15-010