Swimming advisory lifted for Cottage Creek kayak launch in Southport

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — State recreational water quality officials have lifted a swimming advisory for a sound-side swimming area in Brunswick County after new testing showed bacteria levels had dropped below state and federal safety standards.

The advisory was originally issued Oct. 8 for the public kayak launch in Cottage Creek at the end of W. West Street in Southport.

According to the North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program, water samples collected Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 showed bacteria levels exceeding 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, the standard used for recreational coastal waters.

Recent water samples from the site now show bacteria levels below the standards established by the state and the Environmental Protection Agency for swimming and other recreational activities.

Officials have removed the sign advising people against swimming, skiing or otherwise coming into contact with the water.

Enterococci are bacteria commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Although the bacteria themselves are not known to cause illness, their presence can indicate other potentially harmful organisms in the water.

According to state officials, swimming or playing in water with bacteria levels above recreational standards can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses and skin infections.

The North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program monitors 226 coastal water sites across the state, with most locations tested weekly from April through October.

Officials say continued testing helps identify localized water quality concerns and keep the public informed about potential health risks.