Hidden dangers lurk in the warm waters of our area oceans, rivers and freshwater lakes.

Warm waters are prime breeding grounds for bacteria, parasites and amoebas.

Signs were posted at Wickham Park, warning people to be careful if they swim in one of the bathing lakes.

The Florida Department of Health tests the lake every month for signs of bacteria.

Although those levels came back low, health officials do not test for deadly amoebas, which are hard to detect.

They’re primarily found around the silt area near the edge of fresh bodies of water.

“It’s recommended to not put your head fully underwater, because it transmits to your brain through your nose, so we always tell you to plug your nose. Make sure your ears and your eyes as well,” said Florida Department of Health Environmental Manager Cynthia Lecky.

A north Brevard County family held a blood drive in honor of Courtney Nash Saturday.

Nearly three years ago, the 16-year-old contracted an amoeba called Naegleria fowleri from swimming in the St. Johns River. She died a week later.

While amoebas aren’t a problem in the ocean, there are other concerns about swimming in the warm ocean waters.

Although no problems have been detected along Brevard’s coastline and the Indian River Lagoon, health officials are concerned about vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria that grows naturally in warm coastal waters.

The bacteria sickened 41 people last year in Florida, including two Brevard men who were in the Indian River Lagoon.

This year, there have only been a handful of cases across the state.

Experts said it’s still safe for most people to go into the ocean and the Indian River Lagoon.

“We just want to make sure that anyone that has open wounds, not expose themselves to the water, especially if they have liver or immune system problems,” Lecky said.

Experts also said you can also get the bacteria from consuming raw seafood.