The Guam Environmental Protection Agency reported an increased number of beach advisories yesterday.

After studying 43 samples taken from the island's recreational waters on Wednesday, a total of 26 beaches were found to be polluted above the acceptable bacteriological standards. The number of beaches under the advisory have previously reached nearly half or less than half of this week's total.

The Guam EPA advisory reminds the community that swimming, fishing or playing in the unsafe waters may result in minor illnesses such as a sore throat or diarrhea, or more serious illnesses such as meningitis, encephalitis or severe gastroenteritis.

Children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems have a higher chance of contracting illnesses when in contact with contaminated water, according to the advisory.

Affected beaches

The affected beaches listed by Guam EPA are:

Agat: Togcha Beach, Southern Christian Academy

Asan: Adelup Beach Park; Adelup Point Beach (west); Asan Bay Beach

Chalan Pago: Pago Bay

Hagåtña: Hagåtña Bayside Park; Hagåtña Channel – outrigger ramp; Padre Palomo Park Beach; West Hagåtña Bay – park; West Hagåtña Bay – west storm drain

Inarajan: Inarajan Bay

Piti: Family Beach; Piti Bay; Santos Memorial

Talofofo: Talofofo Bay

Tamuning: Dungca's Beach; Dungca's Beach – Sleepy Lagoon; East Hagåtña Bay – Trinchera Beach; Gun Beach; Naton Beach – Fujita; Naton Beach – Guma Trankilidåt; Naton Beach – Matapang Beach Park; Naton Beach – San Vitores; Ypao Beach

Umatac: Toguan Bay

The Recreational Waters Pollution Report is compiled by Guam EPA's Environmental Monitoring and Analytical Services Division, which has been done weekly since 1974.