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According to a warning from the Coastal Federation of North Carolina, the waters off the coast of North Carolina are no longer safe for swimming or even for wading pools because of hurricane Florence's runoff.
Enter and you could risk a "serious" illness, including "bacterial infections, earaches, hepatitis, rashes and breathing problems," said the statement released Wednesday.
"We need to make it clear that swimming in coastal waters is currently a threat to public health, safety and well-being," said Todd Miller, executive director of the non-profit federation.
Earlier this week, NASA satellites captured images of runoff polluting rivers and floating in coastal waterways, News & Observer reported.
The Recreational Water Quality Division of North Carolina states that floodwater contains a mixture of septic waste, wastewater, petroleum products, chemicals and animal waste.
State officials tested the waters of popular beaches and announced Monday that levels of bacteria in bathing sites in Dare and Currituck counties were at acceptable levels, but a precautionary opinion regarding the quality of water
The notice indicates that North Carolinians, tourists and even fishermen who come into contact with coastal waters "must exercise caution, limit exposure of wounds and wash their hands thoroughly".
"While state officials do not have immediate laboratory confirmation of the presence of pathogens in the waters, there is an increased risk of contamination," said Lt.E. opinion.
Despite the warning, federation officials said they saw people swimming in the ocean and estuaries.
"The federation strongly advises the public to stay out of the water until it can be tested by the state and deemed safe for recreational uses," said a statement.
Coastal Review Online reported Tuesday that the coastal towns of Pine Knoll Shores and Emerald Isle also advised people to "avoid contact with stagnant water" within city boundaries or to risk illness.
Some cities have resorted to pumping floodwaters into golf ponds and artificial canals, Coastal Review Online reported.
Mark Award: 704-358-5245, @markprice_obs
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