Sickening Truth: Navy SEALs Face Health Risks in Polluted Waters

Imagine a place where the ocean water is so dirty that it makes people sick. This isn't some distant land; it's right here in California, at the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado. Over the past six years, beaches near this base have been shut down multiple times because the water was too contaminated. The U. S. Department of Defense Inspector General found that hundreds of Navy SEAL candidates got sick after being exposed to this contaminated water. The water was full of bacteria that exceeded safety limits. This bacteria can cause serious illnesses like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The county tests for these bacteria because they indicate the presence of other harmful bacteria or viruses. So, it's not just about the bacteria itself, but what it brings with it. Between 2019 and 2023, there were 1, 168 cases of acute gastrointestinal illness reported among Navy SEAL candidates. And 457 of these cases happened within a week of exposure to contaminated water. This is a big deal because it shows that the water quality is a serious issue.

Testing between February 2024 and September 2024 found that the water exceeded safety levels 76 percent of the time. But the U. S. Navy only relocated 12 out of 265 water training events. This means that candidates were often training in contaminated water, which is a huge health risk. During a particularly tough training week in September 2023, beaches were closed due to high bacteria levels, but the candidates were not relocated. This put them at even greater risk, which could affect their future training and missions. The Office of the Naval Inspector General (NAVINSGEN) said that the safety of the sailors is their top priority. But they also mentioned that canceling or relocating 75 percent of their water training activities would be a challenge. The DoD's Inspector General's report acknowledged this but didn't change their advisory. The inspector general's report suggested that the U. S. Navy should change its plans for water training when bacteria levels are too high. This is a critical issue that needs to be addressed to ensure the health and safety of the candidates.

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