Bathing Warning Issued for Shikmim Beach on Sea of Galilee
Israel's Health Ministry issued a bathing warning for Shikmim Beach on the Sea of Galilee after water tests revealed abnormal microbiological findings.
Jerusalem, 24 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Health Ministry issued a bathing warning Thursday for Shikmim Beach on the Sea of Galilee after water-quality tests detected abnormal microbiological findings. The public is urged to avoid swimming there until further notice and to swim only at designated beaches.
The year 2026 has brought several significant health concerns for swimmers at the Sea of Galilee, including an unusual parasitic infection and localized bacterial contamination.
In early September, a child reportedly developed a serious illness after contracting the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri, apparently after swimming at Kursi Beach. The amoeba thrives in warm, fresh water and can cause a rare but potentially fatal infection.