Swim Advisories Lifted in Dare County, Making Coastal Waters Safe Again

Great News for Swimmers in Dare County!

Hey everyone in Nags Head and surrounding areas! We’ve got some fantastic news for all you beach lovers and water enthusiasts! If you’ve been wanting to take a dip or enjoy a fun day on the water, you’ll be thrilled to know that two swimming advisories in Dare County have been lifted. That’s right—it’s safe to swim again!

Understanding the Advisories

So, let’s break it down a bit. The advisories were initially put up due to heightened levels of enterococci, a type of bacteria typically found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Although this specific bacteria isn’t known to cause illness on its own, it serves as a marker that might indicate the presence of other harmful germs. That’s why testing is so important!

The first advisory was raised back on September 18 at the public beach access at E. Hollowell Street in Nags Head. Here, the monthly average of enterococci was coming in at over 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, which is the threshold deemed unsafe for places bustling with swimmers. However, the good news is that subsequent water tests have shown that levels have dropped back down to safe standards!

More Good News from Salvo

And if that wasn’t enough, the second advisory was posted on October 3 at the Salvo Day Use Area, right across from ramp #23 along the beautiful Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Water samples taken on October 1, October 2, and October 8 indicated high levels of bacteria exceeding 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water. This is well above the safe limit for coastal recreational waters. But, guess what? The latest results from this site are below that safety standard as well!

What This Means for You

With both advisories lifted, the signs warning against swimming, water skiing, or any water play have now been removed! So, whether you fancy a tranquil swim, a spirited splash with friends, or want to just paddle around, the waters are open for fun once more!

Why Monitoring is Important

While it’s great that the coastal waters in North Carolina are generally *clean and inviting*, it’s crucial to keep monitoring them. The North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program does just that! They sample around 221 sites along the coast—most of them on a weekly basis from April through October—to ensure everyone can enjoy the great outdoors with peace of mind.

Stay Informed!

If you’re curious to learn more about the water quality program or want to check out testing locations, feel free to visit their official website or follow their social media accounts for real-time updates! After all, being informed helps keep your family safe while having fun in the sun!

Final Thoughts

So, Nags Head and Dare County residents, get your swim gear ready! The water is calling, and it’s time to make a splash now that the advisories have been lifted. Enjoy your time out there, but don’t forget to stay aware of future advisories. Happy swimming!