The swimming advisory issued Wednesday for a section of North Myrtle Beach has been lifted, but another section at 16th Avenue North has been placed under an advisory, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

"Water samples indicate bacteria amounts in the ocean at 33rd Avenue South in North Myrtle Beach have returned to acceptable levels," said Sean Torrens of DHEC's Region 6 Environmental Quality Control office

High bacteria levels have been detected in the water at 16th Avenue North in North Myrtle Beach. Swimming is not advised within 200 feet of that point until bacteria levels return to normal.

It is safe to wade, collect shells and fish within the swimming advisory area, says Torrens.

"To guard against the possibility of swallowing the water, it's best to keep your head out of it," Torrens said. "People with open cuts or other wounds should also avoid contact with the water."

For more information about beach water quality, call DHEC's Region 6 EQC office at (843) 238-4378 or visit DHEC's beach monitoring webpage at: http://www.scdhec.gov/beach.