CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – As coastal water temperatures drop, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is reminding boaters and beachgoers to keep an eye out for lethargic, stranded, or dead sea turtles. Sea turtles, or even manatees, are at risk of cold-stunning due to the very cold water temperatures, which could cause health problems in the animals and some may die. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, said cold-stunning is a condition where sea turtles become very weak and inactive from exposure to cold temperatures, specifically when water temperatures fall below 50 degrees. Water temp in Charleston Harbor on Tuesday morning was 49 degrees and could drop further as the southeast experiences waves of below-normal temperatures this winter. Cold-stunned sea turtles become lethargic and are eventually unable to swim, causing them to float to the surface, according to NOAA. Wind or tides wash them ashore, and they often become victims of predators, illnesses like pneumonia, or fatal injuries from boat strikes. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said that several stranded sea turtles were reported last week. If you encounter a sick, dead, or stranded sea turtle or manatee you are asked to immediately report it to SCDNR’s 24-hour wildlife hotline by calling 1-800-922-5431 and you will be connected to a biologist who will provide further instructions. SCDNR also reminds people to never return a sea turtle that is on land back into the water. Keep your distance from the animal so you do not cause further stress, and if the animal is alive or lethargic, do not attempt to warm it up.