Where Can I Swim?
“Where Can I Swim?”
That is the question Swim Guide was created to answer. Using data reported by over 100 affiliates, Swim Guide provides information on the safety of swimming at over 8000 beaches, lakes, rivers, and swimming holes. Using an easy-to-understand color rating system, Swim Guide provides publicly accessible data for everyone.
The 15 organizations of Waterkeepers Carolina collectively sample 256 recreation sites for Swim Guide. We believe everyone has the right to clean water for fishing, swimming, and drinking. Our collaborative effort with Swim Guide helps us to ensure your access to clean water.
Our Waterkeepers sample for E. coli and Enterococcus during the summer recreation season, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day. While our Waterkeepers have different sampling schedules, all of the participating Waterkeepers use the same sampling protocols, enumeration methods, and water quality standards.
2022 Swim Guide Report
Waterkeeper Carolina has compiled a report on our Swim Guide Programs across the Carolinas. 14 Waterkeepers collected 3169 samples at 256 recreation sites during the 2022 Swim Guide season. Of the total samples, 577 (or 18%) exceeded the acceptable water quality standards for fecal bacteria contamination.
The 2022 Swim Guide Report details our findings for the sampling season. Fecal bacteria continues to be a concern for recreational water quality throughout our watersheds. Our Waterkeepers will use these results to continue to work towards clean water for everyone in the Carolinas.
READ THE REPORT
More About Swim Guide
The Swim Guide program benefits from summer data collection in our state. This digital tool allows people across the Carolinas to check if their favorite river basin is safe to swim in that weekend. This work includes water quality data collection and analysis and advocating for more rigorous and protective water quality standards.
Waterkeepers Carolina has a resource page for the community to find links to download the Swim Guide and learn how to make a difference for their favorite swimming spots.
Be a Clean Water Warrior
After reading the report, join us to take action. We must urge our legislators to adopt the E. coli standard for bacteria in freshwaters:
Become a Clean Water Warrior! Text WKC to (844) 956-1139 to get easy actions you can take from your phone to protect North Carolina’s waterways.
Donate! You can donate to your favorite waterkeeper organization to help offset the cost of collecting water samples.
Share! Share the Swim Guide on your social media to let your community know how to assess water safety in their area