Saturday, February 15, 2025

Swimming advisory in effect in part of Banks Channel

A swimming advisory has been issued to an area of Banks Channel, according to the North Carolina Marine Fisheries. (Port City Daily/File)

SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — A swimming advisory is in effect in Wrightsville Beach at an area in Banks Channel.

The NC Marine Fisheries is reporting the water contains an amount of bacteria — enterococci, found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals — above the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s quality standards. 

The advisory is for the public access off Waynick Boulevard between Snyder and Seashore streets.

The test results indicate a running monthly average of 37 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water. The acceptable average is 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters, based on five samples taken within a 30-day period. 

The bacteria is not known to cause illness; however, people swimming or playing in waters could develop skin infections or gastrointestinal problems. 

The advisory does not indicate any beach closings — it also doesn’t affect all of Wrightsville Beach. A sign recommending swimmers stay out of the affected area will be posted within 200 feet near the Banks Channel area.

The site will continue to be tested by state officials and the sign will be removed promptly when the water levels are testing below the standard. The public will be notified when it’s safe again to swim.

More information can be found on the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program on the program’s website.


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Shea Carver
Shea Carver
Shea Carver is the editor in chief at Port City Daily. A UNCW alumna, Shea worked in the print media business in Wilmington for 22 years before joining the PCD team in October 2020. She specializes in arts coverage — music, film, literature, theatre — the dining scene, and can often be tapped on where to go, what to do and who to see in Wilmington. When she isn’t hanging with her pup, Shadow Wolf, tending the garden or spinning vinyl, she’s attending concerts and live theater.

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