A St George’s beach was today closed after higher than normal levels of waterborne bacteria were found.

Tobacco Bay Beach was shut to swimmers and watersports by the Department of Health “due to bacterial levels above the department’s acceptable limit.”

But Belcario Thomas, owner of the beach bar & cafe concession at Tobacco Bay, said onshore activities would continue as normal.

A Ministry of Health spokeswoman said: “Further testing and evaluation is under way and the beach will reopen once bacteria levels drop to normal.

She added: “Inclement weather and wind direction can have an effect on bacterial levels. The concessionaire at Tobacco Bay Beach has been informed.”

The Department of Health carries out regular testing of seawater around the island’s beaches.