No swimming at these beaches. Beat the heat elsewhere

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA PUBLIC HEALTH

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Local area beaches are unsafe for swimming

Algoma Public Health has posted the following beaches as unsafe for swimming:

• Marks Bay, located on the east side of Airport Road, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
• Pointe Des Chenes, located on Pointe Des Chenes Drive, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
• Island Lake, located in the Township of Aweres

The test results of water samples taken July 3rd, 2012 exceeded the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care bacteriological guidelines for safe swimming/bathing.

The high levels of bacteria found in these samples are due to the heavy rain fall that Sault Ste. Marie experienced in the early morning of July 3, 2012.

These high levels of bacteria in the water may pose a risk to your health.

The Medical Officer of Health advises that these beaches are unsafe for swimming at this time.

When sample results return to safe parameters, the public will be notified.

Algoma Public Health would like to remind area residents that heavy rainfall, high winds, high numbers of swimmers, waterfowl and warm water temperatures can all increase the number of bacteria in beach water.

High levels of bacteria may pose a risk to your health.

Public beaches in the Algoma district are tested weekly for E.coli and posted when they do not meet the Ontario Ministry of Health standards.

Before swimming, take into consideration the past day’s weather and the current conditions of the beach.

The public is encouraged to visit the Beach Warnings section on Algoma Public Health’s website to view an interactive map of the beaches sampled and any current warnings or postings.

Beach information can also be found on our Facebook page.

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