COLUMBIA, S.C. - A small section of beach in Garden City has been placed under a swimming advisory, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported Wednesday afternoon.

"The affected area includes 200 feet above and below Hawes Avenue," said Sean Torrens of DHEC's Region 6 Environmental Quality Control office, which serves Horry, Georgetown and Williamsburg counties. "High bacteria levels have been detected in this section of the beach, and swimming is not advised until bacteria levels return to normal."

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

"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.