High Levels of Red Tide present in the City of Naples and Collier County

The City of Naples with Collier County monitors the presence of Red Tide (Karenia brevis) off the coast of Southwest Florida. Today’s sample results in the City of Naples at the Naples Pier and Seagate Beach show the presence of high levels of the toxic algae bloom. We have received reports of dead fish and respiratory irritation at Lowdermilk Park and the Naples Pier. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions. Red tide impacts are possible with onshore winds. Respiratory irritation may be experienced on Naples and Collier County beaches. People with chronic respiratory illnesses should avoid going to the beach. Please review the resources linked below for additional information on red tide, symptoms, precautions, updates, etc.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

• Look for informational signage posted at most beaches.
• Stay away from the water, and do not swim in waters with dead fish.
• Those with chronic respiratory problems should be especially cautious and stay away from this location as red tide can affect your breathing.
• Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish, or distressed or dead fish from this location. If caught live and healthy, finfish are safe to eat as long as they are filleted and the guts are discarded. Rinse fillets with tap or bottled water.
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if you have had recent contact with red tide.
• Keep pets and livestock away and out of the water, sea foam and dead sea life. If your pet swims in waters with red tide, wash it as soon as possible.
• Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner, making sure that the A/C filter is maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications.
• If outdoors near an affected location, residents may choose to wear masks, especially if onshore winds are blowing.