Only one of seven beaches in Chatham-Kent (CK) has tested high for E. Coli bacteria this week.
Chatham-Kent Public Health (CKPHU) reports Mitchell's Bay Beach currently has high levels of E. Coli bacteria following samples taken on Monday.
Getty's Beach by the Wheatley pier, Erieau Public Beach, Howard Township Beach, Clearville Beach, Pier Road Beach, and Bates Beach all have low levels of bacteria and are considered safe for swimming, according to CKPHU.
Public health officials say the results reflect only the conditions present at the time of sampling and cannot reliably predict what conditions will be later that day or the next day.
They add there are permanent signs encouraging beach goers to use their best judgement and check beach conditions before entering the water.
E. Coli is one of the microorganisms that can cause gastrointestinal illness with associated nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Swimming is not recommend after a heavy rainfall or if conditions have been windy and wavy in the last 24-48 hours. Swimming is also not recommended if there is a large number of waterfowl, dead fish, algae/scum, or dangerous debris at the beach, or if the water is so cloudy that swimmers can't see their feet at adult waist depth because all of the above can elevate one's risk of getting sick, say CK Public Health.
