People looking to beat the heat this weekend by taking a swim may want to steer clear of Port Burwell Provincial Park.
Southwestern Public Health found high levels of E. coli bacteria in the water there during routine weekly water quality testing. Signs warning people not to swim at the location off Wilson Lane have been posted.
If ingested, the bacteria-filled water could cause gastrointestinal illnesses. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. These bacteria may also cause infections of the eye, ear, nose, and/or throat when people swim in the water.
The signs warning swimmers to stay out of the water will remain in place until test results indicate the water meets the recreational water quality guideline standard set by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Rough water and heavy rain can often lead to higher than normal levels of bacteria, according to the health unit.
This is the first time this season that high levels of E. coli have been found at Port Burwell Provincial Park.
The Port Burwell East Beach at 1 Robinson Street did not show signs of high bacteria and has been given the all-clear for swimming.
