York Region has issued an advisory on unsafe swimming conditions at nine beaches after taking samples Aug. 30.
The samples have indicated the levels of E.coli bacteria in the water are high enough to pose a greater risk to health and may cause illness.
The nine beaches under advisory are Claredon Beach Park in Georgina, De La Salle Park in Georgina, Holmes Point Park in Georgina, Jackson’s Point Harbour/Bonnie Park in Georgina, Joy Marritt Parkette in Georgina, Willow Beach Park in Georgina, Peninsula Resort in Georgina, Willow Wharf Dock in Georgina, and Riverview Park in Georgina.
York Region Public Health monitors the water quality at designated public beaches with a minimum of five samples collected from each beach, usually twice a week and tested for bacteria.
A red sign at the beach indicates the beach’s status is “advisory” for having high levels of E. coli. York Region warns that if you cannot see your feet when standing in water up to your knees it may be unsafe to swim due to the level of bacteria in the water.
A blue sign at the beach indicates that the sample result shows the bacterial levels to be within acceptable limits and the beach's status is open. Blue signs on the beach also warn swimmers not to swim for two days after a heavy rainfall. Bacteria can increase after heavy rainfalls and be harmful.
High levels of bacteria in the water can cause skin, ear, eye, nose and throat infections as well as stomach disorders, according to York Region Public Health.
For further information about recreational water quality in York Region, contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or TTY 1-866-512-6228.
