Navy SEAL Candidates Exposed to Contaminated Waters in San Diego

News Summary

A recent report reveals that Navy SEAL candidates in San Diego have been training in polluted waters, leading to serious health concerns. Despite nearby beach closures due to high bacteria levels, minimal training adjustments were made. The situation raises questions about safety protocols and water quality monitoring for trainees as numerous illness cases have been reported. The Navy is urged to act on recommendations to ensure the health and safety of its candidates.

San Diego’s Navy SEAL Candidates Face Contaminated Waters During Training

In a troubling turn of events, a report from the Department of Defense Inspector General has revealed that Navy SEAL candidates have been training in potentially hazardous waters off San Diego, California, even as nearby beaches were closed due to concerns about water quality. This raises significant health and safety concerns that both trainees and the community should take seriously.

The Findings That Raise Eyebrows

The findings come from an advisory issued on February 7, which highlighted that the Naval Special Warfare Command did not follow the guidelines from San Diego County’s Beach and Bay Water Quality Program. This lack of adherence meant that SEAL candidates were exposed to water containing high levels of fecal indicator bacteria. This is particularly alarming as between January 2019 and May 2023, there were a reported 1,168 cases of acute gastrointestinal illnesses among SEAL and Special Warfare Combat Crewman candidates training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado (NAB Coronado).

Furthermore, about 39% of these illness cases occurred within just seven days of exposure to waters that exceeded state limits for fecal indicator bacteria. That’s a staggering statistic that highlights the urgent need for reform.

Contaminated Waters, Unyielding Training

The report revealed that a whopping 76% of water tests from the beach located north of NAB Coronado and 75% from the southern beach showed dangerously elevated levels of enterococcus bacteria. This type of bacteria signifies a risk of possible fecal contamination, paving the way for serious health risks such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting among trainees.

Despite the glaring warnings and beach closures, only a mere 12 out of 265 Navy SEAL candidate water training events were rescheduled during the high bacteria levels. In fact, during the infamous Hell Week phase, which took place from September 3 to September 8, 2023, three critical training exercises went ahead as planned, undeterred by existing beach closure advisories.

Questions Surrounding Water Testing

Adding another layer of concern, it seems the Naval Special Warfare Command does not carry out its own water testing. Instead, they rely on county reports to determine water quality, raising questions about their diligence in safeguarding the health of their candidates.

The DOD Inspector General has recommended that the command implement a policy to monitor water quality on their own and adjust training schedules when bacteria levels skyrocket. A step in the right direction is anticipated, as the command has indicated plans to put these recommendations into effect by December 31. However, they still reserve the right to establish their own operating procedures that may not necessarily align with state regulations.

What Lies Ahead for Navy SEAL Training?

As they move forward, the Navy acknowledges the need to prioritize safety while maintaining the rigorous training schedule that SEAL candidates undergo. They have assured that they are monitoring several training locations to ensure environmental safety for their candidates. Nevertheless, the exposure to contaminated waters remains a significant concern, both for the immediate health of the candidates and for the broader implications on the training mission of the Naval Special Warfare Command.

With the health risks clear and the potential for significant training disruptions looming, it’s crucial for the command to act swiftly and responsibly. As local residents and families of the candidates observe the unfolding situation, they will undoubtedly be hoping for reforms that ensure the health and safety of those training to serve and protect.

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HERE Resources

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Concern Grows as Navy SEAL Candidates Face Contaminated Waters in Coronado

Additional Resources

• Task & Purpose: Navy SEAL Candidates Face Contaminated Waters During Training
• Wikipedia: Navy SEALs
• Business Insider: Navy SEAL Candidates Exposed to Contaminated Water
• Google Search: Navy SEALs training water contamination
• ABC News: High Levels of Bacteria Lead to Beach Closures
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bacteria
• Coronado Times: Junior Lifeguard Program for 2025
• Triathlete: Descending 100s Swim Workout