It’s important to check the status of local public beaches before you go swimming.
That’s the message from Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health, which is starting to test the water quality at public beaches again this year. The health unit says it will be testing for E. coli levels to see if it’s safe to go swimming. Senior Public Health Inspector John Cannan says notices will go up if a beach is contaminated to let swimmers know it may not be safe to take a dip.
Cannan says public beaches in North Hastings are tested once a month because the water tends to be cooler, making E. coli contamination less likely. But he says it’s good to be aware of the health unit’s notices because swallowing contaminated water can make you sick.
Cannan says symptoms of E. coli sickness typically included diarrhea and abdominal pain. If you are worried you may have been infected with the bacteria, you’re being encouraged to see your doctor. After that, you can contact the health unit to find out more about it, and how you can prevent it from spreading. Click here to see the HPEPH’s weekly beach report.
Renfrew County and District Health Unit Manager of Environmental Health David Tantalo says the process of testing beaches in Renfrew County is expected to start in June.
(Written by: Andreas Pandikiu)