Officials: Swimming OK at more N.C. beaches

MOREHEAD CITY, Carteret County — In the aftermath of Florence, officials say bacteria are at levels safe for swimming along some North Carolina beaches.

Earlier this month, state environmental officials had urged the public to avoid swimming in any coastal waters, warning that excessive rains and flooding from the storm may cause high bacteria levels.

On Saturday, the state Recreational Water Quality Program lifted a precautionary advisory for swimming sites on Ocracoke Island. A day earlier, officials announced that bacteria levels at most ocean swimming sites in Carteret, Pender and Onslow counties meet state and federal standards for water contact.

The department says a swimming alert remains in effect for ocean beaches and sound-side waters along Hyde, New Hanover and Brunswick Counties.

Water-quality testing is ongoing.