The U.S. Coast Guard has ceased using Mobile Bay for certain types of training after rescue swimmers reportedly became sick.
Rescue swimmers, who interact with water in the bay more than other Coast Guard personnel, will now conduct training in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a U.S. Coast Guard statement.
“This precautionary measure was taken after our rescue swimmers noted symptoms of illness and irritation after working in Mobile Bay,” said Capt. William Sasser, the commanding officer of Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile. “While the water samples taken did not exceed acceptable levels, the decision to move the training was precautionary as the health and safety of our crews is a top priority.”