Collier County · Naples / Marco Island · Gulf Coast
Is it safe to swim at Barefoot Beach Preserve today?
Latest DOH sample is GOOD
The latest Florida DOH sample at Barefoot Beach Preserve measured 20 CFU/100mL, which is in the good range. That is a positive sign, but it is still a sample from Monday, May 11, 2026 rather than a live reading.
Latest sample on page
Monday, May 11, 2026
This is the latest DOH beach-water sample we found for Barefoot Beach Preserve.
Bacteria reading
20 CFU/100mL
The EPA beach action value is 70.5 CFU/100mL. Lower is better.
12-month risk context
0% poor results
Use the current sample first, then use the 12-month track record as context.
This page helps you make a better beach decision, not just read a badge. If it has rained heavily since Monday, May 11, 2026, lean conservative even if the latest sample looks fine.
Start with the sample date
The number on this page is only as fresh as the last sample. If the date feels old for your trip, be more skeptical.
Use history as a tie-breaker
Two beaches can both look good today, but the one with fewer past spikes is usually the safer bet on an uncertain weather day.
Rain beats the badge
Stormwater runoff can change conditions faster than Florida's routine testing schedule, especially near inlets, canals, and urban drains.
Barefoot Beach Preserve beach conditions and water quality today
If you searched for Barefoot Beach Preserve water quality or beach conditions today, the latest Florida DOH sample shown on this page is 20 CFU/100mL from Monday, May 11, 2026. This site currently classifies that sample as GOOD.
Latest sample on this page: Monday, May 11, 2026
This sample is 2 days older than the freshest update currently on this site.
How Barefoot Beach Preserve compares nearby today
Barefoot Beach Preserve currently ranks as the strongest monitored option among 4 nearby beaches on this page based on current status, 12-month risk, and sample freshness.
If you still want a backup, compare Vanderbilt Beach next.
Compare Barefoot Beach Preserve with Vanderbilt BeachYour best next step from this page
Compare Vanderbilt Beach next
Vanderbilt Beach is the clearest backup if you still want a second option before you drive.
Use Collier County as your local backup map
This beach currently leads the county, so the county page is the fastest way to find second-choice backups.
Plan from Naples
If you are deciding from a city trip, the city guide makes it easier to compare distance, current status, and fallback options together.
Use the right page for the decision you're making
These deeper views help when you need more than the same-day badge.
Track record
Open Barefoot Beach Preserve history
Use this when today's badge looks okay but you want to confirm that Barefoot Beach Preserve is usually one of the steadier options.
Backup plan
Compare Vanderbilt Beach and other backups
Use this first if Barefoot Beach Preserve gives you pause and you want the strongest nearby alternative ranked by current status, risk history, and distance.
Weather risk
Use the after-rain view for Barefoot Beach Preserve
This sample is already 2 days behind the freshest site data. If rain hit after this sample, start with the stricter after-rain view.
Warning signs
Check recent spikes before you go
Use this when you want to confirm whether Barefoot Beach Preserve has shown any recent non-good readings, not just the current badge.
Historically one of the steadier options
Barefoot Beach Preserve has a strong 12-month track record in this dataset. That makes a dry-weather good sample more reassuring, but it still does not override recent rain, runoff, or brown water.
Most recent poor sample shown here: No poor samples are shown in the last 12 months on this page.
Freshest sample anywhere on this site: May 13, 2026
Sample source details
- Source station
- BAREFOOT BEACH PRESERVE
- Station ID
- 40914
- Data source
- Florida DOH Healthy Beaches Program via Water Atlas API
Monitoring station names can differ from beach signs or local nicknames. Use this source detail when you want to match the page back to the underlying Florida DOH sample record.
Water Quality History — Last 12 Months
Values in CFU/100mL. Green = Good (≤35.4), Yellow = Moderate (35.5–70.4), Red = Poor (≥70.5)
If it rained recently, treat this page as stale faster
Florida DOH testing is routine, not continuous. Heavy rain can push bacteria higher through runoff before the next posted sample catches it. For Barefoot Beach Preserve, wait at least 72 hours after heavy rain and be extra careful around inlets, canals, storm drains, or brown water. Read the rain guide.
About Barefoot Beach Preserve
One of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Southwest Florida, this preserve offers pristine natural beach and nature trails.
Where Barefoot Beach Preserve sits in Collier County
Barefoot Beach Preserve currently ranks as the strongest monitored beach in Collier County by current status, 12-month risk, and sample freshness.
Compare with Vanderbilt BeachWhere Barefoot Beach Preserve sits in Naples / Marco Island
Barefoot Beach Preserve currently ranks as the strongest monitored beach in the Naples / Marco Island group by current status, 12-month risk, and sample freshness.
Compare with Vanderbilt BeachKeep Exploring This Coastline
Use the county, regional, and city guide pages to compare more beaches before you commit to one stop.
Compare Nearby Beaches Before You Go
These nearby beaches are sorted by current status, historical spike rate, and sample recency so you can compare backup options before you drive.
Read Before You Go
Is It Safe to Swim After Rain?
Wait times, runoff risk, and when to skip the water
Understanding Advisories
What the badges, thresholds, and warnings really mean
Cleanest Beaches in Florida
Compare the strongest historical track records
Clearest Water Beaches in Florida
Use this when postcard-clear water is part of your decision too
How Bacteria Testing Works
How sampling works and why “latest” is not the same as live
Disclaimer: Water quality data is sourced from the Florida Department of Health Healthy Beaches Program. Conditions can change rapidly. This website provides informational guidance only — always check with Florida DOH for official beach conditions. Safe to Swim Florida is an independent project and is not affiliated with any government agency.