Put on your favourite swimsuit and grab your beach towel - all area beaches have been given the all-clear for swimming heading into the weekend.
According to Huron Perth Public Health, results of the latest water-quality tests conducted by its inspection team found levels of E.coli bacteria were well below the recreational water quality guideline set jointly by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. As such, the beach waters have all been deemed safe to swim in.
The health unit tests the water at 15 beaches along Lake Huron each week to ensure they do not pose a health risk to swimmers. When elevated levels of E.coli are detected signs are posted advising swimmers not to go into the water as exposure to the bacteria can cause diarrhea or infections in ears, nose, throat, eyes, and skin. E.coli bacteria is an indicator there is human and/or animal fecal contamination present.
Water samples must show a geormetric mean of less than 200 E.coli parts per 100 millilitres of water to avoid being flagged. Goderich's St. Christopher's Beach and Pier Beach, formerly Bayfield Main Beach, had the lowest levels this week at 8.0, while Amberley Beach had the highest at 109.0.
Word that the beaches have been deemed safe for swimming comes as Environment Canada is calling for sunshine and temperatures near 30 C for both Saturday and Sunday.
