Swimmers are being advised to avoid the water at two more beaches in midwestern Ontario for now.
On Wednesday, Grey Bruce Public Health reported that Port Elgin Main Beach and Southampton Beach are unsafe for swimming due to high E. coli levels found in recent samples.
This led the health unit to issue no-swim advisories, which will stay in effect until further tests confirm that bacteria levels have dropped.
Swimming in water with elevated bacteria can lead to infections and gastrointestinal issues. This may include minor skin, eye, ear, nose, or throat infections. Symptoms of stomach illnesses can consist of abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
“While we know residents and visitors want to enjoy these final weeks of August and make the most of summer, we respectfully ask that everyone follow this advisory and avoid swimming at Port Elgin Main Beach and Southampton Beach until the postings are lifted,” said Senior Public Health Manager Chimere Okoronkwo.
The water at the beaches is set to be retested on Thursday.
Beaches often get flagged for high bacteria counts during the summer months. This usually happens due to warm weather conditions and heavy rains that can stir up contamination. On Tuesday, Huron Perth Public Health also issued a similar warning for Wildwood Conservation Area beach in St. Marys after it showed high bacteria levels as well.
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