Only one of Chatham-Kent's public beaches is unsafe for swimming due to high levels of E. Coli bacteria.
The latest monthly water testing done by Chatham-Kent Public Health on Monday showed only Pier Road Beach near Wheatley has high levels of E. Coli bacteria. The rest have tested low and are safe for swimming. Getty's Beach (by the Wheatley pier), Clearville Beach, Erieau Public Beach, Howard Township Beach, Mitchell's Bay Beach, and Bates Beach all have low levels of bacteria.
Local public health officials said there is a risk of injury or illness resulting from swimming in water containing high levels of E. Coli bacteria.
"Water quality can change from day to day or even hour to hour depending on the weather and other conditions," said CK Public Health. "Beach goers are encouraged to make an informed decision about beach quality in real time before you go swimming. You are the best judge of whether the water is safe."
Public Health officials are recommending the public not swim if there has been a heavy rainfall in the last 24-48 hours, if conditions have been "really windy and wavy" in the last 24-48 hours, if there is a large number of waterfowl, dead fish, algae/scum, or dangerous debris at the beach, and if the water is so cloudy that swimmers can't see their feet at adult waist depth.
Water with high levels of bacteria could increase the risk of skin, eye, ear, nose and throat infections or gastrointestinal illness.
"Avoid swallowing beach water no matter how clear it is," said health officials. "Remember you should never swim during a thunderstorm or when there are high winds and waves."
CK Public Health said it permanently posts advisory signs at all public beaches across the municipality warning that high levels of bacteria are often found in beach water and to use caution when swimming.
It will also post beach closure signs when a significant risk to health and safety has been identified, adding beach closures are rare. Beaches will be closed for a chemical, oil, sewage or other waste spill, a blue-green algae bloom, a fish or other wildlife die-off, and safety hazards, such as sharp objects.
Concerns about beach water safety can be reported to CK Public Health by calling 519-355-1071 ext: 2902 or emailing environmental_health@chatham-kent.ca.