The Dirtiest Beaches In The Carolinas

There's still plenty of hot summers left for a trip to the beach. Just be careful which one you choose.

Too many of America's beaches have unsafe swimming conditions.

A July 2019 study from Environment America shows that 60% of America's 4,500 beaches had at least one day of unsafe bacteria levels last year. The contamination was caused by sewage runoff and animal waste. In other words, poop. Illnesses from swimming in contaminated water include stomach flu, rashes, and pink eye.

The dirtiest beach in 2018 was Southern California's Cabrillo Beach. It had the highest percentage of unsafe days based on tests. Beaches in North Carolina and South Carolina are not immune to hazardous conditions. Here are some that you might want to avoid:

North Carolina

• Pamlico River- City Park (Beaufort County)

• Pamlico River-Washington-Trestle (Beaufort County)

• Sound access at the intersection of E. Main St./Tooley St., Belhaven (Beaufort County)

• NC Maritime Museum Sailing Camp (Carteret County)

• End of Shore Line Dr. (Pender County)

South Carolina

• Bear Branch Swash (Horry County)

• Cane Patch Swash (Horry County)

• Myrtle Beach at 24th Ave. N. (Horry County)

• White Point Swash (Horry County)

• Withers Swash (Horry County)