Latest news with #swimmingadvisory
CTV News
5 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
No swimming at 8 Metro Vancouver beaches due to E. coli
If you're looking to beat the heat at a Metro Vancouver beach this week, make sure to check the swimming advisories first. Eight local swimming spots have advisories from Vancouver Coastal Health in place due to high E. coli counts. As of Friday morning, Dundarave Beach in West Vancouver, English Bay, Kitsilano Beach, Second Beach, Sunset Beach, Third Beach and Trout Lake in Vancouver, and Lions Bay are not suitable for swimming. No-swim advisories are issued when a single sample reaches over 400 E. coli per 100 millilitres, or the average of five samples counts over 200 E. coli per 100 millilitres. Signs go up telling visitors not to swim, but the beach itself is safe to enjoy. Several more beaches are undergoing further water testing due to a higher-than-expected bacteria sample result, but remain open for swimming, according to the health authority. They include Jericho Beach, parts of Wreck Beach, Sandy Cove, Sandy Beach, Ambleside Beach and Eagle Harbour. A single reading of more than 235 E. coli per 100 millilitres triggers a 'beach action value investigation' to identify what's causing the higher count, such as a sewage discharge or bird populations nearby, according to VCH. E. coli is found in human, warm-blooded animal, and bird feces. Exposure to high levels of the bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness and infection of the ears, eyes, nose, throat and skin. Updates on E. coli counts at beaches in the region can be found on VCH's beach water quality map.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
No swimming at 5 Metro Vancouver beaches due to E. coli
If you're looking to beat the heat at a Metro Vancouver beach this week, make sure to check the swimming advisories first. Five local swimming spots have advisories from Vancouver Coastal Health in place due to high E. coli counts. As of Thursday, Dundarave Beach in West Vancouver, Sunset Beach, Third Beach and Trout Lake in Vancouver, and Lions Bay are not suitable for swimming. No-swim advisories are issued when a single sample reaches over 400 E. coli per 100 millilitres, or the average of five samples counts over 200 E. coli per 100 millilitres. Signs go up telling visitors not to swim, but the beach itself is safe to enjoy. Several more beaches are undergoing further water testing due to a higher-than-expected bacteria sample result, but remain open for swimming, according to the health authority. They include English Bay, Kitsilano Beach, Ambleside Beach, Second Beach, Sandy Cove, Sandy Beach, and Eagle Harbour. A single reading of more than 235 E. coli per 100 millilitres triggers a 'beach action value investigation' to identify what's causing the higher count, such as a sewage discharge or bird populations nearby, according to VCH. E. coli is found in human, warm-blooded animal, and bird feces. Exposure to high levels of the bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness and infection of the ears, eyes, nose, throat and skin. Updates on E. coli counts at beaches in the region can be found on VCH's beach water quality map.
CTV News
09-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
New Brunswick issues swimming advisories at Parlee Beach, Mactaquac
New Brunswick has issued swimming advisories at two provincial beaches following bacteria testing. The advisories were issued on Tuesday for Parlee Beach Provincial Park in Pointe-du-Chêne and Mactaquac Provincial Park. 'When bacterial levels are above guideline values, a 'No Swimming' advisory is issued,' the province's website says. 'In this case, the public is warned that the water is not suitable for swimming. 'When a no swimming advisory is in place, it does not mean the beach is closed. Many activities such as walking or running on the shore, hiking, relaxing on the beach and photography can still be enjoyed safely.' Samples collected at Parlee Beach revealed the presence of enterococcus, which can cause UTIs, bacteremia, and infective endocarditis, according to the National Library of Medicine. Mactaquac Provincial Park tested positive for E. coli, which can cause gut infections. 'Swimming in waters with bacteria levels above guideline values does not mean that you will get sick, but it increases the risk,' the province says. 'Levels fluctuate throughout the day so there is always a small risk of exposure.' The province recommends people avoid swallowing water at beaches, not put water on open wounds or sores, and always wash their hands before eating. Algae bloom The province is also reporting cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms at several lakes. Cyanobacteria, which is a natural part of the environment, can produce toxins that are harmful to people and animals. The most recent algae blooms include: Carters Brook (latest bloom on June 27) Darlings Lake (latest bloom on June 24 Irishtown Nature Park (latest bloom on June 24) Kennebecasis River (latest bloom on July 7) Kouchibouguacis River (latest bloom on June 30) Lake Herkert (latest bloom on June 27) Wards Creek (latest bloom on May 15) Yoho Lake (latest bloom on July 3) For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CBS News
04-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Swimming advisory issued at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware due to high bacteria
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has issued a recreational water advisory on Thursday for Rehoboth Beach due to high bacterial results. The swimming advisory was issued for the beach at Rehoboth Avenue. It started at 3:31 p.m. and will be in effect until Friday, the Fourth of July, at 5:31 p.m. "The purpose of this swimming advisory is to advise the public that elevated bacteria levels were found during routine sampling so that individuals are equipped to make informed decisions about recreational water activities based on their personal medical condition," the DNREC wrote in a news release. "Illness risk from elevated bacteria results is most significant in persons with certain medical conditions or compromised immune systems, and it is recommended to ask your doctor if you are unsure whether you are in the at-risk group for infections from recreational water contact." The DNREC said the high levels of bacteria at the beach on Rehoboth Avenue are likely because of heavy rainfall, which leads to runoff in the days before the sampling. "Historical knowledge shows that water quality conditions change quickly at our ocean beaches; an additional sample has been taken at Rehoboth Beach - Rehoboth Avenue, and the advisory will be lifted once indicator bacteria levels are below the standard," the DNREC wrote.
Fox News
02-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Beach bacteria warnings plague Fourth of July weekend plans nationwide
Americans heading to the beach for Independence Day weekend may want to check if the waters are OK for swimming or wading. Warnings of high bacteria levels from public health officials have begun popping up in various states coast to coast. Vibrio is a bacterium that naturally lives in coastal waters, causing fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On the West Coast, California officials in San Diego issued many warnings and closures of popular beaches, noting that some "bacteria levels exceed health standards." Two counties in Long Island, New York, have issued similar advisories. Suffolk County health officials posted, "Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore, Ronkonkoma Beach in the Town of Islip, and Sayville Marina Park Beach in Sayville are closed to bathing due to the finding of bacteria at levels in excess of acceptable criteria." The beaches will reopen when further testing reveals bacteria levels have dropped to acceptable levels, said the press release. Three Nassau County beaches — Hewlett Point, Island Park, and Phillip Healey Beach — are under advisory after heavy rainfall, according to the Nassau County Department of Health (NCDOH). Beaches will reopen when further testing reveals bacteria levels have dropped to acceptable levels. "Stormwater runoff may have impacted water quality at 3 South Shore beaches. As a precaution, NCDOH is advising against swimming at these locations. Stormwater runoff can raise bacteria levels, possibly exceeding NYS standards for safe bathing," said an NCDOH press release. In Massachusetts, nearly 20 beaches were closed as of Wednesday morning. Seventeen beaches are listed on the Massachusetts Department of Health "Beaches Dashboard," due to bacteria levels. Washington state lists advisories to "stay out of the water" at seven beaches with "high bacteria" in King County, according to its website. The Prairie State lists 34 advisories on their Illinois government website. There are 80,000 cases of the infection reported each year, according to the CDC. Michigan has nine beaches closed due to high bacteria levels from "wildlife" and "storm water runoff." Four beaches in the Great Lake State also have contamination advisories.
