Wilmington Beachgoers Urged to Stay Cautious Amid Health Risks

Wilmington, North Carolina – Beachgoers Warned Due to Bacteria and Portuguese Man-of-War Threats

Five beaches across North Carolina are currently under swimming advisories due to high levels of bacteria and the presence of Portuguese Man-of-War. Health officials have raised alarms after recent heavy rainfall caused runoff, leading to unsafe swimming conditions at several popular beach locations.

One of the most critical advisories is issued for a beach across the Intracoastal Waterway near marker #135 in Wilmington, specifically on the sound side opposite Whiskey Creek. Testing has shown bacteria levels to exceed the state and federal action level of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters, indicating potential fecal contamination.

In addition to Wilmington, swimming advisories also extend to parts of the Outer Banks in Dare County, where testing revealed similarly high bacteria levels in the Roanoke Sound, surpassing the established safety limits. While these advisories do not close the beaches outright, caution is advised, particularly in water within 200 feet of the advisory signage.

Understanding Enterococci Bacteria

Enterococci are bacteria that signify fecal contamination and are generally found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Their presence raises health concerns for swimmers, as they can pose risks of gastrointestinal illnesses and other infections if ingested through contaminated water.

Portuguese Man-of-War Presence

Compounding the situation, a significant number of Portuguese Man-of-War have been reported washing ashore on the Outer Banks. These striking marine organisms are identified by their blue or purple balloon-like floats either on the surface of the water or on sandy beaches. While they may appear harmless, their long, thread-like tentacles can deliver painful stings, even after the organisms have died.

Officials have advised beachgoers to avoid touching or popping the blue floats of the Man-of-War to prevent stings. Awareness of these conditions is essential for a safe beach experience during this period.

Beach Safety Guidelines

In light of the current dangers, North Carolina officials remind beachgoers to be vigilant about water safety. It is crucial to check for rip current forecasts, as these fast-flowing channels of water can quickly pull swimmers away from the shore. Statistics reveal that the chance of drowning is significantly lower at beaches monitored by United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) lifeguards, estimated at approximately 1 in 18 million, compared to unsupervised beaches.

Safety experts recommend swimming at beaches where lifeguards are present and advise against swimming alone or in areas where one may not be able to swim confidently.

Conclusion

With advisories in place at multiple beaches, officials emphasize the importance of adhering to warnings and exercising caution during this period of heightened risk. As the summer season progresses, staying informed about water quality and marine hazards is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience for all.