Stay out of the water: Swim warning issued for NC coast after Florence

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina — The North Carolina Coastal Federation is cautioning people to stay out of the ocean and intracoastal waters in and around Wrightsville Beach following Hurricane Florence.

Water sample collected by the group earlier this week showed show elevated levels of bacteria, according to officials. The bacteria is caused by massive stormwater runoff from Hurricane Florence.

“We recommend the public avoid contact with coastal waters identified on the North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program’s website map with precautionary advisories until the state conducts testing to determine waters are safe for recreational use,” the federation stated.

According to the Coastal Federation, the water in these areas can contain bacteria, parasites and viruses that can cause minor to severe infections, including bacterial infections, earaches, hepatitis, skin rashes and respiratory issues.