The City of Windsor's only public beach remains the only one in Windsor-Essex shut down by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU).
The health unit conducted weekly beach testing on all eight of the region's public beaches. Sandpoint Beach in east Windsor was closed after testing uncovered an E.coli level of 1,000.
Swimming at Sandpoint Beach is not allowed as the health unit says high bacteria levels may increase the risk of digestive-based illness.
"Certain types of bacteria found in water can cause a number of illnesses," read the beach testing page on the health unit's official website. "The most common are stomach and intestinal illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhea, along with lung, eye, ear, nose, or throat infections or skin issues. Swallowing contaminated water is the main way you may get sick. Bacteria can also enter the body through the ears, eyes, nose, or through broken skin."
Testing is typically done on Mondays between May and September, or Tuesdays after a long weekend. The results are posted on Wednesday.
The other seven public beaches in Windsor-Essex are under a "code green", meaning they are fully open for all activities. E.coli levels at those beaches were all at 63 or below.
Complete information about bacteria and beach testing can be found on the health unit website.
