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 Bookmark bayshorebroadcasting. ca to ensure you always have a direct connection to your trusted source for local news and information. Port Elgin Main Beach and Southampton Beach are currently marked as unsafe for swimming. Grey Bruce Public Health reports that water testing revealed bacterial levels above the standards set by the Ontario Ministry of Health. The beach warnings will stay in place until further tests confirm that bacteria levels have dropped back into a safe range for swimming and bathing. The health unit indicated that water samples were taken from both beaches earlier this week, with more samples scheduled to be collected on Thursday. “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,” says Grey Bruce Public Health Senior Manager Chimere Okoronkwo. “Swimming in water with elevated bacterial levels can increase the risk of illness or infection.” Public Health advises that even if a beach is not posted as unsafe, it's wise to keep an eye on real-time water conditions. Avoid swimming for 24 to 48 hours after heavy rain or when visibility is low in waist-deep water. Grey Bruce Public Health runs a beach water monitoring program during summer months, testing high-use beaches in Bruce and Grey counties for E. coli levels. You can find more on the health unit’s recreational water monitoring program here. [ad_2]Source link