Health Ministry Lifts Most Mediterranean Swimming Warnings

The Health Ministry lifted its warning against swimming at most of Israel's Mediterranean bathing beaches on Wednesday, November 11. The warning remains in effect at Charles Clore Beach in Tel Aviv, all beaches in Herzliya, and Mei Ami Beach in Ashdod. The decision changes the broader warning issued after rain on the coastal plain on November 7, while retaining the restrictions at the named locations. In its latest announcement, the ministry reiterated: ‘Swimming is permitted only at designated bathing beaches.’ Ministry spokesperson Shira Solomon signed the notice. The November 7 announcement had warned that runoff and drainage water could flow toward bathing beaches following the rain. That warning was issued until further notice. The ministry's 2024 annual report on seawater quality explains that rain can carry polluted urban drainage and surface runoff toward the coast. Under the monitoring arrangements described in that report, local authorities are responsible for taking water samples at designated bathing beaches, while the Health Ministry supervises sanitary conditions and bacteriological water quality. Samples from Mediterranean and Red Sea beaches are tested for fecal enterococci, an indicator of fecal pollution in salt water. Abnormal results can require repeat sampling. The report also explains that a pollution incident can affect several beaches and that bathing warnings can be issued outside the bathing season.