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 both Port Elgin Main Beach and Southampton Beach have been found unsafe for swimming due to high levels of E. coli detected in recent samples.
This led the health unit to issue no-swim advisories, which will stay in effect until further testing indicates that bacteria levels have dropped.
Swimming in water with elevated bacteria can lead to infections and gastrointestinal issues. This may include minor infections affecting the skin, eyes, ears, nose, or throat. Symptoms associated with stomach illness can involve 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 these beaches will be retested on Thursday.
During summer months, beaches often get flagged for high bacteria levels. This is usually due to warm weather conditions combined with heavy rainfalls that can stir up contamination. On Tuesday, Huron Perth Public Health also issued a similar advisory for Wildwood Conservation Area’s beach in St. Marys after high bacteria levels were recorded there as well.
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