DNREC issues swimming advisory for Rehoboth, other beaches

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has issued a recreational water advisory for Delaware coastal beaches, including Rehoboth Beach, in response to instances of medical waste washing ashore. The advisory is for a one-week period.

Beach access in the City of Rehoboth Beach will remain open. Swimming and wading in the ocean are not advised. Currently, the Rehoboth Beach Patrol, whose lifeguards are on duty in limited areas through this weekend, is prohibiting access to the ocean due to rough surf conditions as well.

Visitors to the beach are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes while medical debris continues to come ashore.

The City of Rehoboth Beach and DNREC continue to monitor the situation. Several items of medical waste have been found in Rehoboth Beach. The city currently is raking the beach twice daily to dispose of any medical debris that comes ashore.