No Swim Order Issued at Boca Raton Beaches

High bacteria levels prompt temporary swimming ban at Spanish River and South Inlet beaches

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County has issued a 'no swim' order for two beaches in Boca Raton - Spanish River and South Inlet - after recent water quality testing showed elevated bacterial levels. The beaches will remain open, but swimming is prohibited until further notice.

Why it matters

Beach closures due to water quality issues are common in coastal communities, but can pose health risks to residents and visitors. This order aims to protect public safety until the water quality issues are resolved.

The details

According to the Department of Health, regular beach water quality sampling detected high bacterial levels at Spanish River and South Inlet beaches in Boca Raton. As a precaution, swimming has been prohibited at these locations until further notice, though the beaches themselves will remain open to the public.

  • The 'no swim' order went into effect on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County

The state agency responsible for monitoring and regulating beach water quality in Palm Beach County.

Spanish River Beach

A public beach located in Boca Raton, Florida.

South Inlet Beach

A public beach located in Boca Raton, Florida and owned/operated by Palm Beach County.

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What’s next

Additional water samples will be taken, and it is hoped that full use of the beaches may resume within the next 24 to 48 hours.

The takeaway

This temporary beach closure highlights the importance of regular water quality monitoring to protect public health. While inconvenient for beachgoers, these precautionary measures help ensure the safety of coastal communities.