The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has launched the 2023 beach water quality testing program and the first results show two area beaches as unsafe for swimming.
Lakeshore Lakeview Park West Beach in Belle River and Sandpoint Beach in Windsor both have high levels of bacteria in these waters that may pose a risk to your health, according to the health unit.
On Monday, June 12, beach water samples were taken from eight local beaches - Sandpoint Beach, Lakeshore Lakeview Park West Beach, Point Pelee North West Beach, Seacliff Park Beach, Cedar Island Beach, Cedar Beach, Colchester Beach, and Holiday Beach.
Water samples are sent to the public health lab in London, Ontario for E. coli bacteria count analysis.
The health unit warns that the public should also avoid swimming after a heavy rainfall as pollution in beach water is often much higher during and right after rainstorms.
"Swimming or playing in unsafe water may result in minor skin, eye, ear, nose, or throat infections, or symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Those most at risk are children, elderly, and people with weakened immune systems."says Victoria Peczulis, Environmental Health Manager, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
Until September, or weather permitting, the health unit will be collecting beach water samples from the local area beaches every Monday and sharing the test results with the community every Wednesday afternoon.